18 February, 2003

Rufus poised to end backmarkers? run of outs

Kiwi pacer Young Rufus will be striving to become the first backmarker to win the $400,000 Carlton Draught Hunter Cup since New Zealand?s grand lady Blossom Lady took top honours in 1995.

Despite the backmarkers? recent record in the World?s richest handicap event, the Mark Purdon-trained stallion remains a dominant TAB Sportsbet favourite at $2.60 from his 20 metre handicap. A runaway last start winner of the SEW Eurodrive Victoria Cup, Young Rufus will be striving to complete one of the hardest doubles in Australian harness racing.

In what will be his final Moonee Valley appearance, cult hero and dual Hunter Cup placegetter Shakamaker ($13) will join his Kiwi rival off the backmark, as too will reigning Inter Dominion champion Smooth Satin ($14).

On the betting front, WA Cup winner Baltic Eagle remains a firm second pick at $6, with the second of the Kiwi raiders, Facta Non Verba, an ever-shortening $7 elect.

The field for the $400,000 Carlton Draught Hunter Cup (3050m, Group 1), to be run at 10.30pm AEST on 22 February, is;

1. Seelster Sam (NSW)??????????????????? Dennis Wilson???????????????????? Ft?????????? $31
2. Jay Bees Flush (NSW)???????????????? Mark Smith?????????????????????????? Ft?????????? $26
3. The Fall Guy (VIC)???????????????????????? Daryl Douglas????????????????????? Ft?????????? $14
4. Country Ways (NSW)?????????????????? Brian Hancock???????????????????? Ft?????????? $13
5. Western Light (VIC)????????????????????? Neville Clarke?????????????????????? (1^st Emerg)
6. Pass The Mustard (VIC)?????????????? David Murphy?????????????????????? Ft?????????? $35
7. Mont Denver Gold (VIC)??????????????? Chris Alford????????????????????????? Ft?????????? $13

-------------------------------Second Row------------------------------------------------

8. Unique Icon (VIC)????????????????????????? Heath Redwood?????????????????? Ft?????????? $31
9. Wally Walton (VIC)??????????????????????? Matthew Gath?????????????????????? Ft?????????? $15
10. Hearts Legend (VIC)???????????????????? TBC???????????????????????????????????? Ft?????????? $21
11. Facta Non Verba (NZ)?????????????????? Tony Herlihy???????????????????????? Ft?????????? $7.00
12. Baltic Eagle (WA)????????????????????????? Kim Prentice??????????????????????? 10m?????? $6.00
13. Smooth Satin (NSW)??????????????????? Steve Turnbull????????????????????? 20m?????? $14
14. Young Rufus (NZ)???????????????????????? Mark Purdon??????????????????????? 20m?????? $2.60
15. Shakamaker (VIC)???????????????????????? John Justice???????????????????????? 20m?????? $13