Yep, agree mostly but the Hunter Cup isn't quite the same these days purely because of the reluctance of trainers/owners to start off 20 or 30 metre handicaps. In days gone by you would see Blossom Lady, Golden Reign, Sinbad Bay etc start off big handicaps and still be very competitive...
Imagine this year's Hunter Cup with BAF (if he were to go down to Melb) off 30m, Mr Feelgood off 30m, Smoken Up off 30m .. and throw in Melpark Major, Villagem, some kiwi horses.. now that would be a Hunter Cup and a half.