Starters revealed for Saturday night’s Hunter Cup

Trainer Emma Stewart will be best represented in Saturday night’s (Feb. 4) Del-Re National A.G. Hunter Cup with three of her stable harness racing stars gaining a start in the great race.

After much consideration, Harness Racing Victoria handicappers gave Honolua Bay (Somebeachsomewhere), Hurricane Harley (Bettor’s Delight) and Mach Dan places in the 12-strong field that will tackle the $500,000 Grand Circuit classic at Tabcorp Park, Melton.

New Zealand raider Copy That (American Ideal), a recent winner of the Ballarat Pacing Cup for trainer Ray Green, got a run as most expected, as did compatriot Old Town Road for Kiwi horseman John Dickie.

New South Wales trainer Belinda McCarthy won last year’s Hunter Cup with champion pacer King of Swing, and has top duo Expensive Ego (Rock N Roll Heaven) and Spirit Of St Louis (Sweet Lou) in this year’s renewal, while master conditioner Jason Grimson will start Inter Dominion champion I Cast No Shadow (Shadow Play) as well as dual country cup winner Major Meister (Art Major).

Last year’s Victoria Cup victor Rock N Roll Doo (Rock N Roll Heaven) is there for Michael Stanley, while Torrid Saint (Shadow Play, Julie Douglas) and Triple Eight (American Ideal, Jess Tubbs) round out the dozen starters.

David Aiken’s recent acquisition Cranbourne (Lincoln Royal) has been named the race’s first and only emergency.

A total of 22 horses were nominated for the Hunter Cup, with star four-year-old Catch A Wave among the notable absentees from the final field.

The barrier draw for Saturday night’s Group 1 feature will take place tomorrow morning live on Sky Racing 1 from 9.30am.

From Harness Racing Victoria