Racing Victoria (RV) has revealed the weights for the 101 horses still in the running for this year's G1 A$10.2-million Lexus Melbourne Cup, which takes place at Flemington on Tuesday, November 3.RV's head of handicapping, David Hegan, assigned defending champion Half Yours (St Jean) the top weight of 59kg. Last seen finishing sixth in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes, the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained Half Yours will be attempting to emulate Rain Lover, the last horse to successfully carry 59kg or more to victory in 1969.Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Chris Waller holds twelve nominations in this year's renewal, with G1 ATC Derby-winning mare Aeliana (Castelvecchio) and G1 Doomben Cup scorer Birdman (Free Eagle) both allotted 58kg.Last weekend's G3 Archer Stakes winner Shockletz (Shocking) will carry 51kg for trainer Ciaron Maher, who is also responsible for the likes of Light Infantry Man (Fast Company) (58.5kg) and Middle Earth (Roaring Lion) (56.5kg).The 23 international horses still on track for the first Tuesday in November were allocated weights based on Hegan's assessment of their overseas runs.Two-time Cup-winning trainer Joseph O'Brien has 11 nominations in this year's race, headlined by golden ticket winner Defiantly (Kameko) (56.5kg), Saturday's G1 St Leger hero Highwayman (Persian King) (56.5kg) and dual Group 2 winner Sons And Lovers (Study Of Man), the highest-weighted international competitor at 57.5kg. Last year's runner-up Goodie Two Shoes (Fastnet Rock) will carry 55kg.Another international golden ticket winner, GII Belmont Gold Cup hero Tawny Port (Pioneerof The Nile), was assigned 55.5kg as he aims to become just the second American-trained horse to compete in Australia's most iconic race.On the 20th anniversary of Japan's victory in the Lexus Melbourne Cup with Delta Blues, champion jockey Christophe Lemaire – who won the race 15 years ago aboard Dunaden – will ride Stinger Glass (Kizuna), who has been allotted 57kg.“The release of the weights for the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup represents another significant step towards the race that stops a nation,” said VRC chief racing officer Leigh Jordon.“Our reigning Lexus Melbourne Cup champion, Half Yours, under a masterful ride from Jamie Melham, couldn't have been more impressive winning the 2025 edition with 53kg and will see an increase in weight this year.“With such a strong international contingent nominated for our great race this year, it's hard to overlook Joseph O'Brien, looking for his third win in the race, already with his biggest set of nominations this year.“It's been 20 years since Japan's famous quinella in our great race, with tough stayer and winner of this year's Diamond Stakes, Stinger Glass, flying the flag for the land of the rising sun.“As the Lexus Melbourne Cup picture becomes clearer, the importance of win-and-you're-in races will increase for horses hoping to secure their place in the field, with an exciting few weeks ahead as the final line-up begins to take shape.”The next opportunities for horses and connections to receive ballot exemption for the Lexus Melbourne Cup are the G3 Lexus Bart Cummings (2,500m) on October 3, G1 Caulfield Cup (2,400m) on October 17, G3 Geelong Cup (2,400m) on October 21, G2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2,500m) and G1 Cox Plate (2040m) on October 24.The full list of weight allocations and order of entry for the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup can be viewed here.The post Defending Champion Half Yours Leads the Way as Melbourne Cup Weights Published appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.