The Hunter 2023 Race Details
Race 8 at Newcastle Racecourse on Saturday the 18th of November 2023.
The Hunter is a feature race held at Newcastle Racecourse and is run over 1300 metres. It is run under quality handicap conditions. The total prize money for this years edition is $1,000,000.
You can read more about the race history, lead-up races, and past winners on The Hunter page.

The Hunter 2023 Preview
Track: Good Weather: Fine
A lot of these runners come out of The Everest and that does look the standout form for this. Mazu is going along very well. There was plenty to like about his last run. Vilana has some lovely form lines for this and goes in the mix against this lot. King Of Sparta commands respect in a field of this caliber while I Am Me has been posting some excellent runs to date this prep and looks well suited.
The Hunter 2023 Runner by Runner
1. Mazu (6)
Mazu was excellent last run and looks suited in this field. Should hit the line hard and looks the one to beat against this lot. Nash does the steering and he is a very suitable booking.
2. Vilana (18)
The barrier makes things very hard but also can’t ignore the class of this horse. Goes in the mix in this race but will need a fair bit to go right from there.
3. King Of Sparta (10)
Has come of age the last year or two as he has learnt to settle better. Barrier 10 makes things a bit tricky here and he may have to go back from the draw. Goes in the mix.
4. I Am Me (4)
Has built a superb record of 9 wins from 17 starts and can add to the tally here. Map horse of the race that might end up being one out one back.
5. Strait Acer (5) – SCRATCHED
6. Coal Crusher (2)
Looks under the odds for mine. Handy runner but may find this a bit too tough.
7. Rustic Steel (18)
Trained here and capable of a big run on his day. No favours from the barrier.
8. Dark Destroyer (17)
Prefer others.
9. Excellent Proposal (11)
Can’t have.
10. Ayrton (9) – SCRATCHED
11. Far Too Easy (1)
Classy runner but barrier 1 with its pattern and a large field could make things tricky. Can win but needs a peach.
12. Rocketing By (12)
Been trying to catch this guy for the past year or so and he just isn’t doing anything. That being said, hasn’t missed the quinella at the track and we all know he can win at odds. Weary but not keen to go to the well again.
13. Sinawann (15)
Can’t have.
14. Opal Ridge (14)
Smart runner that can bounce back in this and has the right form. Like the booking of Gibbo.
15. Dajraan (13)
Leaving him to the market. More than capable but prepared to risk unless there is a significant move for it.
16. Gravina (7)
Can’t have.
17. Military Expert (3)
Good running pattern and kind draw. Capable of winning this fresh.
18. Umgawa (8)
Can’t have.
19. Much Much Better (19)
Prepared to risk from out there.
The Hunter 2023 Tips
The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.
Bryce Parker’s Tips
|
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1 Mazu | ||
4 I Am Me | ||
2 Vilana | ||
6 Coal Crusher |
Previews for other races this week
Group 1 Thousand Guineas 2023 (Caulfield 1600m)
Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 2023 (Caulfield 1400m)
Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes 2023 (Caulfield 1400m)
Group 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes 2023 (Caulfield 1200m)
Group 3 How Now Stakes 2023 (Caulfield 1200m)
Listed Caulfield Village Stakes 2023 (Caulfield 1100m)
The Beauford 2023 (Newcastle 1300m)
Group 3 NJC Spring Stakes 2023 (Newcastle 1600m)
Max Lees Classic 2023 (Newcastle 900m)
Group 3 WA Champion Fillies Stakes 2023 (Ascot 1600m)
Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes 2023 (Ascot 1100m)
Group 3 R J Peters Stakes 2023 (Ascot 1500m)
Listed Placid Ark Stakes 2023 (Ascot 1200m)
Listed Jungle Mist Classic 2023 (Ascot 1200m)
The Hunter 2023 Race Results
Result | Horse | Margin |
1st | 6 Coal Crusher | |
2nd | 3 King Of Sparta | 1.1 lengths |
3rd | 12 Rocketing By | 2.66 lengths |
4th | 1 Mazu | 2.74 lengths |
The track was rated as ood 4.
Scratchings: 2. Vilana, 4. I Am Me, 5. Strait Acer, 10. Ayrton, 11. Far Too Easy, 18e. Umgawa, 19e. Much Much Better.