Canberra Cup winner Almost Court will not be an acceptor when the field is released on Wednesday after being handed 66 kilograms for the feature.

That will leave the Nick Olive-trained Bring A Secret as the top weight with 60.5kg.

Canberra training partnership Barbara Joseph and sons Paul and Matt Jones have decided not to accept with Almost Court.

They will still push ahead with a three-pronged attack for the Cup with last year’s winner Mercurial Lad, Rock On Zariz and Darts Away, pending him gaining a start.

“One of the owners wanted us to nominate (Almost Court) to see what he would get. I’m not sure if he would have been ready to run anyway,” Paul Jones said.

“The other three will run.”

Mathew Cahill will take the ride on Mercurial Lad, while apprentice Aaron Sweeney will ride Rock On Zariz. The Joseph-Jones team will await to see if Darts Away secures a place in the field. He is currently equal 15^th in the order of entry.

Jones rates the defending champion as his stable’s number one seed.

“I was happy with the weight, 59.5 was about where I thought he would be,” he said.

“I would be happier if we got a drop of rain. Some rain for both Rock On Zariz and Mercurial Lad, it would be advantageous for their chances.

“Rock On Zariz was a little bit unlucky last year and he might be going for back-to-back this year if it wasn't for luck in running.

“On trackwork, Mercurial Lad would be hardest to beat of our team but then you have to take in weight, barriers and those things.”

Last-start Highway Handicap winner Handle The Truth will not be an acceptor for the Snake Gully Cup either. 

Trainer Keith Dryden revealed Handle The Truth will now head to the paddock with next year’s Provincial Championships his top priority.

Handle The Truth has won four of his first seven starts for Dryden and Scott Collings, including two Highway Handicaps this preparation.

Almost Court 66 kilograms, Bring A Secret 60.5, Mercurial Lad 59.5, Cha Cha King 57.5, Ruthless Agent 57.5, Dreams Of Paris 57, O’ So Hazy 55, Zarlu 55, Class Clown 54.5, Kentucky Flyer 54.5, Not Too Sure 54, Handle The Truth 54, Rock On Zariz 54, My Maher 54, Darts Away 54, Newtown Bluebag 54, Celtic Love 54, Fermanagh Lad 54, Gentleman Max 54, Appoint Percy 54, Uptown Lily 54, Catch The Culprit 54, Orrstar 54, Short 54, Lucky Prospector 54, Tipta Tantivy 54, Dangerous Breeding 54, Master Moving 54.

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