The Hunter: Expert punter preview and betting strategy

A relatively new feature race, The Hunter was introduced in 2019 as the $1 million feature on a standalone Saturday spring raceday at Newcastle. The race is run over 1300 metres.

The Hunter 2022: Alfie’s preview

Track It’s a Good 4 now but there’s a little rain around. It should play fair, but it’s a big field so if you’re on the fence, you’ll need some luck.

Map: The pace is fast here. In the Congo, Apache Chase, Expat, Vilana and Overpass will all push forward. Tycoonist, Eleven Eleven and Brutality have tough draws from wide barriers. Waihaha Falls and Gravina will be midfield on the fence.

The Hunter: Runner-by-runner

Prices courtesy of TopSport at time of publication.

5 In The Congo [$4.60]  beat a lot of these in the Sydney Stakes in October, so I have to have him on top. The map is a positive.

20 Waihaha Falls [$4.60] is yet to gain a start. If the pace is hot up front and he runs, he’s a big chance coming late.

6 Vilana [$4.80] was great first-up in the Silver Eagle, but was disappointing over 1500m in the Golden Eagle. The drop back to 1300 metres here is a plus. He’s a chance.

1 Apache Chase [$9] won the Group 1 Kingsford-Smith in the Queensland Winter Carnival, so has class, but will need to improve off his last couple.

3 Eleven Eleven [$11] beat a strong field over 1400m at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Carnival at the start of the year. If he gets back to that rating then he’s a chance.

11 Skyman [$12] is first-up and 1300 metres is probably not his best distance.

2 Overpass [$15] has been running in some good races, but a win here would surprise.

16 Gravina [$16] didn’t put in the best run at Flemington. A good track may not bring the best out of him.

Todays track report ahead of The Hunter this Saturday with CEO @DuaneDowell and Track and Facilities Manager @Naysh07 🏇

👀 Dowell had a bit of a run on with a sprinkler midway 👀 @SkyRacingAU @racing_nsw @KarakaChat pic.twitter.com/D7n5KcXF9d

— Newcastle Racecourse (@newcastleraces_) November 10, 2022

17 Brutality [$17] is yet to get a run. He would be a long way back and is not my type of horse.

4 Gem Song [$18] has two wins at the track and a win at Group 3 level, and gets Bowman on. Place chance.

8 Bandersnatch [$18] has a big race in him, but is this his day?

7 Ingratiating [$20] is from the right camp in Godolphin, but the 1300 metres is the query.

13 Swats That [$21] will need to improve to win this, but is a Group class horse.

I don’t give the rest much of a chance here: 18 Through The Cracks [$21], 10 Sky Lab [$26], 14 Tycoonist [$26], 12 Expat [$31], 15 Aramayo [$61], 9 Lions Roar[$81], 19 Blondeau [$81].

Betting strategy

Two-horse strategy
In The Congo
Vilana

I think I could put money on a few of them and still miss the winner – it’s just one of those races! In the Congo gets a nice draw and map, albeit off a fast pace. I’m leaning toward him. Vilana also can get a nice run in behind the fast tempo and stalk. So I might split my stake and try to get a collect either way.