I dont think enough is done to try and attract the top liners to race in the Hunter Cup. Quinny and Smoken Up are two of the major drawcards to a succesful carnival and they are the Grand Circuit Champs for the previous two seasons, and yet neither will be there to contest this major Grand Circuit event. Thats poor marketing in my opinion.
I would like to know where they expected them to get a start in a SS without getting 30,40 or even 50 metres. The NZ Cup was the only real chance they had and unfortunately Quinny had the setback which interupted his campaign and Smoken Up didnt go over this year. Yes Smoken Up could of went in the Pure Steel but then he would have to sacrifice a start in the Ballarat Cup which is a Group 1 event.
In my opinion have more suitable races put into the calender or change the rules, after all the Grand Circuit has now cut back on its races. Just look at the Vic Cup what a race thats the quality field you should be attracting.
It has become a race for the up and coming stars the established stars even if they managed a SS they seem to be handicapped out of it with 20 and 30 metres. 10 metre max is enough. I bet quinny would of been here if 10 metres was the max.
JUST MY OPINION