The Hunter – 2022

Track: Good  Weather: Sunny

Twenty runners (four of which are emergencies) have accepted for the $1,000,000 Hunter and there have been no early scratchings.

This is the fourth edition of this race with past winners being Lost And Running, Sweet Deal, and Savatiano. In all three years, Australia bloodstock with trainer Kris Lee has finished second with Wandabaa (2021), Special Award (2020), and Tactical Advantage (2019). This year they have just one entry for both connections and trainer in Gem Song ($26.00). 

John O’Shea and the Godolphin stable led by James Cummings are the only trainers in this race with a win. John O’Shea will saddle up just the one runner in Lion’s Roar ($126.00) unless the fourth emergency Waihaha Falls ($5.50) gains a start. Meanwhile, Godolphin will saddle up three runners in Vilana ($6.00), Gravina ($23.00) , and Ingratiating ($26.00).

1. Apache Chase (13)

Came down to Sydney for the Premier Stakes and Sydney Stakes, where he ran within 2.2 lengths in both races. Out to 1300m now is ideal, dry track suits and he hasn’t drawn the worst. Could be a massive chance with the right run.

2. Overpass (18)

He has run sixth in the Everest and then ran poorly in the Golden Eagle. He has been in a lot of top racing since September, and with the poor draw, I find it hard to back him with any confidence.

3. Eleven Eleven (16)

Opened his campaign with an eight-length fifth in the Manikato Stakes. Second up last preparation he ran third in the Kingsford Smith Cup behind Apache Chase. His best can make this a real contest though his draw will make his task a little harder.

4. Gem Song (6)

Entering this race second-up following his seventh in the Sydney Stakes. I have no doubt that the stable would have circled this race for him prior to beginning his preparation plus he would have had some residual fitness from the winter. Will run a bold race.

5. In The Congo (2)

Led them up in the Golden Eagle before fading to a 4.2 length seventh. Back to 1300m looks ideal and he has drawn perfectly. He will get his chance out in front and is a definite place chance.

6. Vilana (9)

Won the Silver Eagle impressively and would have been favourite for the Golden Eagle had he not drawn barrier 20. He settled near last and flew home well for eighth, despite being held up around the 400m mark. Back to 1300m looks a nice move, Nash sticks and he has drawn beautifully.

7. Ingratiating (4)

Started the campaign off well winning at Caulfield before running a tight second in the Schillaci Stakes behind Paulele. He then went on the quick backup to the Everest where he was no match. He has since had a nice trial and he does look suited to the 1300m despite never running beyond 1200m. Drawn well and should get a nice run throughout.

8. Bandersnatch (5)

Another who started his campaign off well with placings in the Testa Rossa Stakes at Sandown and Moonga Stakes at Caulfield. He had a crack at the Big Dance where he was plain but had excuses throughout, though I don’t think he is a miler. Back to 1300m suits, drawn well and could be a solid place chance.

9. Lion’s Roar (11)

First up after 378 days. Can’t have.

10. Sky Lab (15)

First up after 224 days. Can’t have.

11. Skyman (10)

First up after 86 days. Won the Rowley Mile at Hawkesbury first up last preparation before being sent for a spell. 1300m does look a touch short but he looks like he could knock off a few of these features now that the Spring is over. Will be thereabouts.

12. Expat (20)

Outclassed here.

13. Swats That (14)

Prefer others.

14. Tycoonist (19)

Finished 1.5 lengths back in fifth in the Sydney Stakes third up. Drawn horribly. Will need luck.

15. Aramayo (8)

First up after 189 days. Can’t have.

16. Gravina (1)

Won the Caulfield Village Stakes two back before running 1.8 lengths back in fifth in the Rising Fast Stakes. He has drawn ideally in barrier one and is well down in the weights. Place chance.

17e. Brutality (17)

Drawn horribly but trainer wants the run. Watch.

18e. Through The Cracks (7)

May run a nice race if he gets a run.

19e. Blondeau (3)

Can’t have.

20e. Waihaha Falls (20)

Top 3 chance if he gets a run, but that’s unlikely.

The following are the top 4 selections for this year’s race.

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
6 Vilana	6 Vilana
3 Eleven Eleven	5 In The Congo
7 Ingratiating	11 Skyman
8 Bandersnatch	16 Gravina

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	6 Vilana
2nd	5 In The Congo	0.37 length
3rd	16 Gravina	1.89 lengths
4th	1 Apache Chase	2.43 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 12. Expat, 18e. Through The Cracks, 19e. Blondeau, 20e. Waihaha Falls.