TOUGH jumper Thubiaan will be the top-weight for the $300,000 Warrnambool Grand Annual Steeplechase next Thursday, when Racing Victoria announces handicaps for the famous race on Friday.
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Thubiaan carried 67.5kg to win the Great Eastern Steeplechase on Easter Monday, but will carry a minimum of 69kg in the Grand Annual, which is run over 5500 metres.
The eight-year-old has seven wins and five minor placings to his credit from 16 jumps starts.
Racing Victoria jumps handicapper David Hegan told The Standard on Wednesday, Eric Musgrove's star jumper has to be top-weight for the time-honored race.
"I have not finalised the weights for the Annual at this stage. I'm looking at giving Thubiaan 69kg but it may even be 69.5kg,” Hegan said.
“I'm just weighing up a few issues.
"Thubiaan's form is very sound over the past year. He won last year's Brierly and went on to win the Australian Steeplechase.
“He also has a second-placing in the Grand National Steeplechase, plus a third in the Von Doussa and then the win in the Great Eastern at Oakbank."
Hegan's final assessment of Thubiaan's weight will determine the handicaps of other Grand Annual hopefuls.
"I'm looking at putting Lord Of The Song in at 67kg and the reigning Grand Annual winner Regina Coeli with 65.5kg," he said.
The final acceptances for the Grand Annual close at 10.00 am on Monday.