Trainer Emma Stewart will be best represented in Saturday night’s Del-Re National A.G. Hunter Cup with three of her stable stars gaining a start in the great race.
After much consideration, Harness Racing Victoria handicappers gave Honolua Bay, Hurricane Harley 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, 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 and Spirit Of St Louis in this year’s renewal, while master conditioner Jason Grimson will start Inter Dominion champion I Cast No Shadow as well as dual country cup winner Major Meister.
Last year’s Victoria Cup victor Rock N Roll Doo is there for Michael Stanley, while Torrid Saint (Julie Douglas) and Triple Eight (Jess Tubbs) round out the dozen starters.
David Aiken’s recent acquisition Cranbourne 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.