Join us this Saturday for The Hunter at Newcastle, where champions collide. Witness trainer Joe Pride defend his title with Coal Crusher and watch Private Eye chase glory in prestigious races—intense action awaits!
With The Hunter set to take place this Saturday at Newcastle, attention turns to trainer Joe Pride, who is preparing to defend his title with Coal Crusher in the Group 2, $1 million race covering 1300m. Last year's champion, Coal Crusher, is ready to seek redemption after a tough and intense previous race. Pride remains optimistic, confident that the horse possesses the strength to regain his former glory on this well-known track.
On the other hand, Pride’s strong competitor, Private Eye, is a veteran Group 1 champion with two titles and more than $11.7 million in prize earnings, preparing for a distinct challenge. The trainer suggests plans to transport him south to Melbourne for the 1400m Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, indicating a strategic decision that caters to Private Eye's need for longer distances and the quest for prestigious wins on a different platform.
The weight allocations highlight the significance of the competition—Private Eye leads The Hunter lineup with a hefty 60kg, while Coal Crusher is right behind at 59kg. Initial betting odds mark Far Too Easy as the TAB Fixed Odds favorite at $4.50, followed by Private Eye at $6, and both Coal Crusher and Briasa at $8, creating an exciting prospect for a thrilling face-off.
The Hunter weekend has gathered an impressive 187 entries for its 10-race program, kicking off on Newcastle’s famous Horseshoe Beach. Among the highlights is the Listed $300,000 Beauford (2300m), featuring topweight Spirit Ridge, trained by Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald. The duo may enter four horses in this event, including Naval College, Star Of India, and Regal Lion. This is a daring strategy for them, especially after their recent Group 1 triumph with Sunshine in Paris at Flemington, further establishing their growing prominence in Australia’s racing scene.
Kris Lees, a respected figure in Newcastle, is aiming for victory on his home ground with three solid entries in The Hunter: Infancy and Spangler. Additionally, he has entered Gobi Desert for the Max Lees Classic, a race that holds special significance as a tribute to his late father. This race will mark the debut of Gobi Desert, a colt with impressive pedigree, sired by Too Darn Hot, the offspring of Broadsiding, and out of Hell It’s Hot, the mother of champion sprinter In Her Time.
With leading stables, top horses, and the Newcastle community coming together for this prominent event, The Hunter is set to deliver high-stakes excitement, highlighting the passion and expertise that characterize Australia's racing landscape. Pride's two-pronged approach—defending Coal Crusher in Newcastle and aiming for Private Eye's success in Melbourne—injects an intriguing dimension into the story, merging ambition, strategy, and the unpredictable essence of the sport. The events of this weekend are sure to be memorable, as experienced champions and emerging talents compete for racing success.
