Field of stars selected for 2023 Victoria Cup

The field is set for one of the great harness racing editions of the Pryde’s EasiFeed Victoria Cup.

Harness Racing Victoria handicappers have this afternoon revealed the 12 starters and one emergency for Saturday night’s Grand Circuit classic at Melton.

And what a line-up of stars it is.

Grant Dixon’s emerging champion Leap To Fame will represent Queensland and is joined by New South Wales-based pacers Spirit Of St Louis (Belinda McCarthy) and Hi Manameisjeff (Jason Grimson) as the interstate raiders tackling the $300,000 feature, which will see Michael Stanley’s Rock N Roll Doo back to defend the title he claimed last year.

Amore Vita gets the nod for a start alongside fellow Emma Stewart-trained mare and TAB Eureka winner Encipher, with stablemates Act Now, Honolua Bay and Mach Dan also there to give the Cardigan barn five horses in the race.

Reigning Chariots of Fire and Miracle Mile champ Catch A Wave is there for Andy Gath, alongside Group 1 winners Captain Ravishing (Ahmed Taiba) and Better Eclipse (Jess Tubbs).

Despite winning Saturday night’s Smoken Up Sprint, Scott Ewen’s warhorse Bulletproof Boy misses a start in the field of 12 and is named the emergency.

The barrier draw for the race, as well as the Victoria Derby and Oaks finals, will be conducted live on Sky Racing’s The Morning Line from 9am on Tuesday.

From Harness Racing Victoria