Swain heads the weights for the Foster's Melbourne Cup, which will be run on November 4th. The King George and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes winner was yesterday given 63kg - around 10st - by Victoria Racing Club senior handicapper Jim Bowler.

Swain's weight is the highest given to a horse in the race since Galilee's 64kg in 1968. Another Godolphin entry, Classic Cliche, is second top weight with 60kg (about 9st 7lb).

Mark Johnston's Goodwood Cup winner Double Trigger has 59kg (9st 5lb) and his brother Double Eclipse 57kg (9st).

Classic Cliche may have to undergo a temporary name change if, as expected, he takes part. Another horse called Classic Cliche races in Queensland and because the Australian authorities will not allow the use of an (IRE) suffix, it is likely that Saeed bin Suroor's raider may have to adopt a "My", "Sir" or "Our" prefix.