It’s one of the annual feature events in the Hunter Valley, and while the sprinters have the Sires On Ice Black Top each August, this time each year the stayers have the Ladbrokes Newcastle Cup.
Worth $25,000 to the winner of the final, the Newcastle Cup has been won by some talented staying types over the years, including notably Miagi in 2007, Dashing Corsair in 2010, ZIPPING Lad in 2011 and Smart Valentino in 2013.
Two years ago the Chica Destacada siblings Poco Dorado, Blue Moon Rising and Veloce Nero filled the trifecta in the Cup.
And last year it appeared the breed would collect another Newcastle Cup when Blue Moon Rising was sent out as favourite on the back of the fastest heat win.
But it was JODIE Lord’s Just Terms who stalked the leaders before producing a brilliant finish to claim victory.
Heats of the Newcastle Cup will be run next Friday, December 4 at LADBROKES GARDENS, and carry extra prizemoney this year with $4,000 to each heat winner, with the newly introduced GRNSW middle distance series expected to boost entrants into the event. Nominations close on Tuesday at 9am for the heats.
The $25,000 final will be held the following week December 11.
