Hi Brendan,
Yes as usual, you are spot on...One of the clauses indicates that one Invite MAY be given after the running of the NZ Cup. It doesnt mention the invitation going to the winner. I just read the conditions again on the meeting calendar on Harness.org and the invitation to ITMQ, though in my opinion is a good one for the race, doesn't meet the published conditions. BELOW
An event open to a maximum eight Pacers (exclusive of Reserves).The winner of the Newcastle Mile, Coca Cola - Amatil Sprint, Cordina Sprint, receive automatic invitations if accepted by the connections. One invitation may be given after the running of the New Zealand Cup, all other invitations will be issued by the Directors of the NSWHRC but only from horses who competed in the Newcastle Mile, Coca Cola - Amatil Sprint and Cordina Sprint. Reserves (if any) drawn with the invited Pacers)
Now I did hear that one invite would be totally discretionary,(but couldn't see that anywhere). If that was the case it explains why ITMQ was invited (discretionary) SU (got the NZ Cup invite) and the rest come from the 3 sprints......HOWEVER... if SU got the discretionary spot (and given his record should have, IMO) where did the invite for ITMQ come from........
I think no matter what, we all concede on it's NZ Cup win TTL deserves a crack.