Shahwardi has inched closer to a Melbourne Cup berth with the French stayer penalised 1.5kg for his win in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes last Saturday.
Racing Victoria Chief Handicapper Greg Carpenter made the announcement this morning following what was an eye catching win by the Alain de Royer-Dupre-trained stayer last Saturday.
The 1.5kg penalty means Shahwardi moves up from 42nd to 32nd in the order of entry for the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 6 where he would carry 53kg.
Other Herbert Power winners to receive a 1.5kg penalty for their wins in the Group 2 staying test include 2011 winner Shewan, Alcopop [2009] and Master O'Reilly.
The last horse to complete the Herbert Power/Melbourne Cup double was the Bart Cummings-trained Rogan Josh in 1999.
