This Hunter Cup has a really exciting old-school feel to it.
It’s got all the ingredients of a classic Hunter Cup, the race that first sparked my love of harness racing when “The Frog” (Preux Chevalier) won it way back in 1985.
Oh what chapters we’ve had since.
The Blossom Lady epic double in 1994-95, the sheer dominance/arrogance of the seemingly unstoppable Elsu in 2005, the great Blacks A Fake coming off 30m to gun-down Smoken Up in 2008, Kerryn Manning’s historic upset on Arden Rooney in 2015 and Swayzee edging-out Leap To Fame a race for the ages last year.
That’s just a few that spring to mind.
The greatest Hunter Cups have had depth.
In modern times depth has been lacking, but this is the race we’ve been waiting for.
There is plenty of star power, new and old, genuine interstate rivalry and the secret sauce of a serious Kiwi raider, too.
I count at least five genuinely strong winning chances.
Despite the presence of 2024 winner Leap To Fame, arguably as good as any pacer we’ve seen in this part of the world, he may not even start favourite.
That’s not a slight on him, more a sign of a depth and the importance of barrier draws.
Here’s my early take on the key players expected in a Hunter Cup the sport needs and deserves.
THE CHAMP – LEAP TO FAME
He’s as good a pacer as I’ve seen in my 40 years covering the game and his record backs it up. Leap To Fame.
The first pacer in this part of the world to top $5 million in prize money will line-up for his third tilt at the Hunter Cup, having won in 2024 and run a mighty second to arch-rival Swayzee last year.
There were times late last year when the doubters felt “Larry” was in decline, but his Blacks A Fake run in defeat was up with the greatest performances of his amazing career.
So often has to do it the hard way, but the upside of so much depth in a race like this means others could share the “donkey work” with him.
Still one to beat for mine.
THE GREAT STAYER – SWAYZEE
Genuinely great stayer as evidenced by two NZ Cups, a Hunter Cup and a Blacks A Fake win.
His strength and lust for a challenge has rekindled memories of great stayers of the past like Pure Steel and Gammalite.
2025 was a challenging year for him with a few hiccups and just 12 starts for four wins.
Just when the doubters were swarming, Swayzee went into brute-mode for an epic performance to outstay Don Hugo in last Friday’s Goulburn Cup.
It was everything we love about Swayzee and couldn’t have come at a better time.
THE CHALLENGER – KINGMAN
What revelation he’s been and he’s literally just turned five!
Finished 2025 with seven wins from just nine starts for Luke McCarthy, including those Victoria and NZ Cup wins over Leap To Fame. That’s the only two times they’ve clashed.
Even seasoned Kiwi horsemen conceded Kingman’s NZ Cup win – when three-wide without cover for the last 1400m – was up with the best in the 100-plus year history of their greatest race.
Should only improve given he only raced in open class for the first time on August 23, last year.
Let that sink in.
THE KIWI – REPUBLICAN PARTY
What a 2025 he enjoyed after coming to last year’s Hunter Cup and finishing a close and slightly luckless third to Swayzee and Leap To Fame.
Won nine of his 14 races in NZ and three of the defeats were to Aussie raiders in the Race by betcha, NZ Cup and NZ free-for-all.
Rather than be humbled by the Aussies, he seems to lift to another level when they beat him. He’s been superb winning all three starts since that close second to Leap To Fame in the NZ free-for-all, including successfully defending his Auckland Cup crown.
Throw in the fact he’s from the Dalgety barn, which has played such a role in major Victorian races like the Victoria and Hunter Cups, and it gets even better.
Wouldn’t it be something if he could strike his first big blow against the Aussie champs on their own soil.
THE X FACTOR – THE JANITOR
There’s always been something about this guy.
Gee I hope he makes the trip down.
Initially, we all loved his speed, but he’s got stronger and more versatile.
That first step into the proper big league in last month’s Blacks A Fake was everything we needed to see.
To whiz around and lead, set the pace and finish such a close-up and gallant third to proven superstars Don Hugo and Leap To Fame was outstanding.
Whether it’s this race, a Miracle Mile, Race by betcha, the Inter Dominion or Blacks A Fake, I can see him winning a really big one this year.
PHOTOS: STU MCCORMICK, TRACKSIDE NZ, THE CREEK
