Military Mission handed Melbourne Cup 2023 penalty

Military Mission incurred a Melbourne Cup penalty for his win in last Saturday's Herbert Power Stakes, but he is not yet assured of a start in the big race on the first Tuesday in November.

Racing Victoria's head of handicapping David Hegan rehandicapped the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained stayer from 50.5kg to 51kg for the Melbourne Cup 2023 after his three-quarters-of-a-length win over United Nations in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m).

That lifts the son of Mastercraftsman to 33rd in order of the entry for a start in the 24-horse Melbourne Cup field on November 7.

"Military Mission carried 57kg in the Herbert Power Stakes on Saturday and he was too strong late for his rivals including Daqiansweet Junior who now meets him 0.5kg better in the Melbourne Cup for that run," said Hegan.

"The penalty takes into account his elevated domestic rating, which reflects the consistency of form of his last three starts; victory in the Group 3 Newcastle Cup, fourth in the Group 1 Metropolitan and first in Saturday's Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes.

"It is the joint lowest penalty given to a Herbert Power Stakes winner in the past decade, since Sea Moon took no penalty for his win when already at 56.5kg in the 2013 Melbourne Cup."

United Nations escaped penalty for finishing second in the Herbert Power, but improved his position in the order of entry from 50th to 45th, while third placegetter Ferago rose from 61st to 53rd after passing the first ballot clause.

Ladies Man was the other to enhance their chances of a start in the Melbourne Cup on Saturday, his win in the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) in New Zealand bumping him up from 52nd to 41st in the order of entry due to increased prizemoney.

Military Mission is currently a $51 chance in betting with Aussie bookies.