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Brittany Graham takes an early look at the Hunter Cup aspirants

HAPPY FAMILY: Luke and Belinda McCarthy with daughters Lily and Maddison

THIS weekend marks the final opportunity for fringe runners to put forward their case for Hunter Cup glory next Saturday.

The Country Cups route has been intriguing over the last few weeks, highlighted by an action-packed Ballarat Cup last weekend which was a brilliant entrée for what’s to come.

Some contenders are choosing to take a week’s freshen ahead of the $500,000 Grand Circuit event, while some are opting for a pipe opener seven-days out to ensure their fitness is where it needs to be.

While the major players will have no concerns, there are some horses who sit on the peripheral of gaining a start in what is set to be an ultra-competitive twelve horse field. The current TAB market has KING OF SWING as the $3.50 favourite with LOCHINVAR ART, SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS and EXPENSIVE EGO as the $4.50 equal second favourites, solidifying the importance of next Monday evenings barrier draw.

With nominations for the Hunter Cup closing at noon today (Friday), here is my assessment of the big four:

Lochinvar Art: The defending champion has had a torrid 12 months since his last victory, including some foot and leg issues which resulted in rehabilitation, extended time off and a season at stud.

He returned from his lengthy break with a solid second in a track record-breaking Shepparton Cup, before he backed up in the Ballarat Cup for another minor placing.

Any horse would derive great benefit from a few runs under their belt after close to 12 months off the scene, let alone an older stallion who lands straight into the top echelon.

He will be right in the thick of the action come the Hunter Cup and will rise to the occasion . . . as he always does.

Spirit Of St Louis: I am not sure surprised is the right word for this pocket rocket's Country Cup domination; maybe more so startled in the manner of his authority over most of the country’s best pacers.

After leading an Inter Dominion heat and being beaten on his merit only two months ago, his Bendigo Cup victory proved he could play and win from the front end.

His mid-race move in the Shepparton Cup to then trail Lochinvar Art and outpoint him also added more merit to his track-record performance.

He then took things to a new level last week in his maiden G1 Ballarat Pacing Cup success.

Holding out noted gate flier Max Delight, the speedster was then shuffled on the pegs, made a move to sit in the running line and then pulled away from the likes of Expensive Ego, Lochinvar Art and Amazing Dream in almost arrogant fashion.

He is in the zone and he is dangerous.

King Of Swing: It would appear that next weekend’s feature may be the final Victorian start for the two-time Grand Circuit Champion, and all involved will be hoping it’s a victorious farewell.

After winning the Breeders Crown at two, and the Hunter Cup of 2020 at the Melton circuit, the supermodel of the sport will top off his preparations for a second title with a Menangle 2300metre free-for-all event tomorrow [Saturday] evening.

After tasting defeat in the Inter Dominion, the cloud of doubt over whether King Of Swing can win a feature race when not leading has seemingly arrived again.

His Sunshine Sprint and Blacks A Fake performances in Queensland last Winter told me that it’s simply untrue, and he is no one-trick pony.

The fact of the matter is though, whoever ends up leading the Hunter Cup is at an enormous advantage, and those who must park out or come off speed have their work cut out for them.

He is the two-time Horse of the Year for a reason.

Expensive Ego: Was he disappointing last week on his return to the races after the tumultuous Inter Dominion Final? No.

He wasn’t at his best, but that’s not surprising after six weeks away without a trial hit-out.

After the Len Smith Mile, it was further confirmed that his best pattern of racing is rough and tumble, up on speed, staying tests.

When driven in that matter, and not being 100 per cent fit, he was always going to be vulnerable and was overcome late.

He is going to love the week-to-week racing that will lead him towards next week’s Hunter Cup and with it only being his 33^rd career start on February 5, he is the fresh legs of the Grand Circuit.

As much as the TAB market has a significant gap to double figures about all other runners, there are still several other chances who are at bigger odds then they deserve to be.

AMAZING DREAM almost overturned the boys at a big price again last week and there’s no reason why she can’t follow through next, while TRIPLE EIGHT is owed a good barrier draw and a change in fortune in that respect would put him in a very dangerous spot.

Throw in up and comers WILLIE GO WEST and SUPREME DOMINATOR amongst others, and we have some race to look forward to!