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Old warriors spearhead The Metropolitan weights

Tom Walter - Monday September 18

Veteran imports Libran and Who Shot Thebarman are set to share topweight honours in Saturday week's Group I The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick.

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2017 The Metropolitan contender Libran. Photo: Steve Hart

Last year's ATC Australian Derby (2400m) winner Tavago was allocated the 58kg topweight on Tuesday but with that horse being prepared for the Group I Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 7, Chris Waller's pair will be at the head of the weights on their original handicap of 57kg.

Seven-year-old gelding Libran was a surprise last start winner of the Group III Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday while nine-year-old gelding Who Shot Thebarman is still chasing his first Group I on Australian soil after five minor placings at the top level – including a third in the 2014 Melbourne Cup (3200m).

Another member of the Waller brigade, Antonio Giuseppe, has been assigned 54.5kg after finishing runner-up in last year's edition of the race with 51kg.

The Robert Hickmott/Lloyd Williams staying juggernaut has 10 entries, of which four – Gallante (56.5kg), Assign (55.5kg), Amralah (55kg), and Bondi Beach (55kg) – have been handicapped at 55kg or above.

The Darren Weir-trained Big Duke, which finished third as favourite in the Sydney Cup (3200m) during the autumn, has 55kg.

Click here to view the weights for the $750,000 Group I Metropolitan.

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