My Hunter Cup Field
Everyone has a view on who gets in and who misses when it comes to all of the big races.
The upcoming A. G. Hunter Cup is no exception, with everyone sharing their two cent - so here is mine. My 2023 Hunter Cup runners, in no order or preference.
HONOLUA BAY - undefeated in ID22 heat series, runner-up at Ballarat - he's in.
MACH DAN - good in Cranbourne and Ballarat Cups, excellent across ID22 series.
ROCK N ROLL DOO - without the Victoria Cup win, he'd be watching from the sidelines but that Vic Cup win was epic.
SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS - sure, he's a shade below his best but his best form within the past 12 months is as good as anyone else's.
TORRID SAINT - ID22 runner-up... and I give him the nod because this horse never shirks a race. He goes in everything.
I CAST NO SHADOW - reigning ID22 winner goes in.
HURRICANE HARLEY - has only just done enough. But a soft Casey Classic win is enough. Adds intrigue.
COPY THAT - New Zealand Cup back-to-back, Ballarat Cup... and so on and so on.
CATCH A WAVE - initially I was thinking no but the sport needs talking points. It's the three-year-old Cox Plate example for Harness Racing. Just get him in and give him a go and let everyone talk.
OLD TOWN ROAD - emerging talent! Solid in NZ Cup, good in NZ FFA and real good at Ballarat.
MAJOR MEISTER - forget the Ballarat run, Cranbourne and Bendigo Cup wins guarantee him a place. And, with a soft trip, he can legitimately win.
CRANBOURNE - his Shepparton win sneaks him in - just.
SORRY BRIGADE CRIME WRITER - beaten 14m in a Casey Classic.
TRIPLE EIGHT - has not won since July.
MACH SHARD - has only won once from past 13 runs but he's a horse I've always enjoyed following.
ZEUSS BROMAC - maybe I've prioritised a Victorian country cup but it's been a while since he last won.
They'll pick 'em out Tuesday and I look forward to getting trackside on Saturday night, calling all the action for SEN Track and HRV.