A stack of speedy stars will converge on Hamilton this Sunday for the new-look Matthews Petroleum Hamilton Pacing Cup.

The club’s bold call to move its annual feature race to a sprint (1660m) has drawn a stellar line-up of talent, headlined by rising south-west superstar Lumineer and Emma Stewart-trained thunderbolt Hurricane Harley.

But as much as things change, some things remain the same. The township of Great Western is set to once again play an enormous role in the Hamilton Cup courtesy of two resuming jets from the Kerryn Manning camp and Peter Manning’s bombproof mare Reciprocity.

Kerryn will saddle up City of Melton Plate winner Duke Of Wellington, a former Kiwi who has made a big impression since arriving on our shores, and Stroke Of Luck, who hasn’t started since being favourite for last year’s Hamilton Cup.

With exciting pacers Fake Smile, Nancys Boy, Idealsomemagic and the ever-consistent Keayang Shekitout also lining up, it shapes as one of the most intriguing Hamilton Cups in recent memory.

The big question: Will a horse break 1min 50secs for the first time in Victoria?

The Cup will be run at 4.54pm.

 

 

 

Pictures: Lumineer with Jason Lee in the gig and Kerryn Manning aboard Duke Of Wellington, both huge chances in Sunday's Matthews Petroleum Hamilton Pacing Cup over 1660m.