2018 Hunter Cup

[Messenger]

Here is the field

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX030218&fromstate=vic#MXM03021801

[Adaptor]

Here is the field

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX030218&fromstate=vic#MXM03021801

What a great 90 minute radio program on RSN 927 this morning, with Michael Felgate live from Tabcorp Park Melton, with the lead up to the Hunter Cup meeting.

There was enthusiatic informed and positive contributions from Michael Felgate, Jason Bonnington, Dan Mielecki, Andy Gath, Adam Hamilton ( doesn't he love the Trots) , CEO David Martin, Anthony Butt, Chris Alford, Gavin Lang, and Lance Justice's champ Smokin Up, and HERO re-trainer Warren Cochrane.

Gotta get to Melton on Saturday night !!!

[arlington]

What a great 90 minute radio program on RSN 927 this morning, with Michael Felgate live from Tabcorp Park Melton, with the lead up to the Hunter Cup meeting.

There was enthusiatic informed and positive contributions from Michael Felgate, Jason Bonnington, Dan Mielecki, Andy Gath, Adam Hamilton ( doesn't he love the Trots) , CEO David Martin, Anthony Butt, Chris Alford Gavin Lang, and Lance Justice's champ Smokin Up.

Gotta get to Melton on Saturday night !!!

Agree Noel, and Michael Felgate's hosting was really buoyant. Congrats to the HRV team behind the broadcast.

Link to RSN927 podcast. In the Racing Pulse podcasts, includes Michael Felgate's ride behind Smoken Up with Anthony Butt. https://www.rsn.net.au/podcast-2/

[Messenger]

There is no retention barn for the Hunter Cup is there?

[Adaptor]

There is no retention barn for the Hunter Cup is there?

No, but they have security with each horse all day today... from what I can see in the Notice to Participants:SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2018

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=36286

- DEL-RE NATIONAL A G HUNTER CUP (GROUP 1);

- YABBY DAM RACING V L DULLARD TROTTERS CUP (GROUP 1).

All horses engaged in the DEL-RE NATIONAL A G HUNTER CUP (GROUP 1) will be under observation by security personnel on Saturday 3 February 2018.

They are to be on course no less than 2 hours before the race.

Wonder if that means that they are under observation from midnight?

[Showgrounds]

Any questions, doubts or knocks have been emphatically answered. We have just witnessed one of the all-time great wins by one of the all-time greats,

Perhaps this post should go in the "what can we do to improve harness racing" thread.

[Messenger]

All 3 place-getters being only 5yo's augurs well for the sport.

[Danno]

Any questions, doubts or knocks have been emphatically answered. We have just witnessed one of the all-time great wins by one of the all-time greats,

Perhaps this post should go in the "what can we do to improve harness racing" thread.

perfectly articulated Trevor, great runs and very good drives from all other runners except perhaps for a curious drive on Tiger Tara, but the winner, once again proved he is at a different level to anything else in this part of the world at the moment......and gee I love his one on one look 'em in the eye mean streak, a very competitive individual that openly displays it...love it, he means business and that is partly why he is so great.

[gutwagon]

I have seen some people making comparisons between Winx and Lazarus. The most encouraging thing to me for our sport is that Lazarus is racing against the best available opposition, connections are not running and hiding from him as they seem to be with Winx. They are not choosing the easiest races for him and he does get beaten when he draws bad or has no luck. So his fans are attracted and so are the fans of his opposition .

[Messenger]

True Rick, although it may have something to do with the fact that up until now they have thought a bad draw, injury hiccup or the nature of our racing (the ability to stitch up a horse) could see him beaten.

It could also be that there is nothing nearly as profitable to contest compared to 2nd prizemoney against him. Cruz Bromac went around for a potential $17k win prize after deciding the Cup was too hot for him after an injury glitch while Soho got $75k, Heaven $50k, Lenny $25k

[Showgrounds]

True Rick, although it may have something to do with the fact that up until now they have thought a bad draw, injury hiccup or the nature of our racing (the ability to stitch up a horse) could see him beaten.

It could also be that there is nothing nearly as profitable to contest compared to 2nd prizemoney against him. Cruz Bromac went around for a potential $17k win prize after deciding the Cup was too hot for him after an injury glitch while Soho got $75k, Heaven $50k, Lenny $25k

Then again, this season's NZ Cup nominations lacked depth even though some smart ones ran on the day. Major lead-ups such as the Kaikoura Cup (7 runners), Ashburton Flying Stakes (8 runners) and the Canterbury Classic (5 runners) may have demonstrated the dearth of open class performers in NZ this season.

However, I believe the presence of Lazarus in all of these races was a genuine "Winx factor".

[teecee]

Natalie Rasmussen appeal partly upheld. Suspension quashed.