The Offer has escaped a Melbourne Cup penalty following his win in Wednesday’s Bendigo Cup.

Racing Victoria executive general manager – racing, Greg Carpenter, announced on Thursday that The Offer would remain on a 54kg handicap for next Tuesday’s race.

Carpenter said he had decided not to issue a penalty based on the horse’s current Melbourne Cup weight and the opposition he defeated at Bendigo.

“The Offer was very strong in winning the Bendigo Cup under the topweight of 59kg, however he was one of only two Melbourne Cup entrants contesting the race and the majority of the runners that finished behind him were on the limit weight,” Carpenter said.

“While the Bendigo Cup runner-up Divan is a progressive stayer he only went into the race with a domestic handicap rating of 70.”

The Offer is assured of a Melbourne Cup start at number 15 on the order of entry.