2026 The Hunter Tips, Odds & Betting Preview

The Hunter has become a genuine handicap puzzle, with several high-profile runners facing awkward barriers and a new favourite emerging in the final-field market. Sweynesday heads betting at $6.50 from gate six, while Pericles carries 61kg from barrier 21 and King Of Roseau must overcome barrier 16. Those starting positions matter enormously in a $1 million race over Newcastle’s 1300 metres.

Infancy has a much kinder draw in barrier five for local trainer Kris Lees, and Accredited could save every metre from the inside. General Salute remains dangerous, but his drift to $9 is a reminder that this is an open contest rather than a straightforward favourite’s race. The challenge is identifying the runner whose form, weight and likely passage best match the available odds.

2026 The Hunter Race Details

The Hunter Final Field, Barriers and Odds

Fixed win odds from the supplied market screenshots, 11 November 2026. Prices are subject to change. “Not listed” indicates no jockey displayed in the supplied market.

Emergencies

Emergencies only run if they gain a start. *Alysha Collett and Tyler Schiller are also listed on runners in the main field; emergency riding arrangements are conditional. Barriers may be adjusted after scratchings.

Leading Contenders

Sweynesday — $6.50

Sweynesday has become the market leader, and there are sound reasons to take him seriously. His recent form reads 1-5-0-5-2, and the market profile highlights a strong career winning strike rate. He carries 55kg, draws barrier six and has Alysha Collett aboard. That is a more manageable combination than several rivals carrying extra weight or drawn out wide. He still needs to prove himself in this company, but the balance of draw, weight and recent form earns him top billing.

Infancy — $8.50

Infancy has an appealing setup with Jason Collett riding at 54.5kg from barrier five. Kris Lees’ local knowledge is another positive, and she has been competitive without breaking through recently. The main appeal is that she should have more tactical options than many of the leading market rivals. At $8.50 she remains one of the more interesting alternatives to the favourite.

Accredited — $9.50

Accredited is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the draw, starting from barrier one with Regan Bayliss aboard and only 53.5kg. His recent form includes a win and two seconds in his last five appearances. The inside gate is not automatically an advantage if he gets trapped behind tiring runners, but it offers the prospect of an economical trip. He looks a legitimate value chance rather than merely an outsider to fill fourth place.

General Salute — $9.00

General Salute remains a serious contender despite easing in the market. Tim Clark rides from barrier 10 at 59kg. His recent sequence includes a win, but he gives weight to Sweynesday, Infancy and Accredited. The draw is manageable, although he may need to cover ground if the early pace is contested. He is a danger on ability, but the handicap conditions are less appealing than for our first three.

King Of Roseau — $12.00

King Of Roseau has drifted considerably from his early all-in quote. Tom Sherry must negotiate barrier 16 at 57.5kg, creating a genuine tactical problem. He has the ability to figure, but he may be forced to use energy early or settle farther back than ideal. At $12 he is no longer a short-priced favourite, yet the draw is still enough to keep him outside our leading four.

Pericles — $8.00

Pericles brings strong class credentials but faces the toughest handicap assignment: 61kg and barrier 21. His recent form includes a win, and his market position indicates that he must be respected. Nevertheless, the combination of topweight and an extremely wide draw is a major reason to oppose him at a relatively short price. The jockey was not displayed in the supplied screenshot.

Other runners

Chidiac has barrier two and a light weight, giving her a chance to secure a favourable run at $12. Brave One is $14 from barrier eight, while Signor Tortoni is $13 from barrier 13. Run Harry Run is $14 but drawn wide in 17. Golden Straand ($19), Disneck ($21) and Lord Of Biscay ($21) add depth, with Lord Of Biscay particularly well drawn in three. Coal Crusher ($23) has an unenviable barrier 19, Brudenell ($31) starts from 14 and War Eternal ($35) is drawn 22.

Speed Map and Race Shape

With 16 acceptors and six emergencies, the early contest for position should be decisive. Accredited (1), Chidiac (2), Lord Of Biscay (3), Disneck (4), Infancy (5) and Sweynesday (6) all have the potential to save ground. General Salute (10) has options, while King Of Roseau (16), Coal Crusher (19), Golden Straand (20), Pericles (21) and War Eternal (22) face much more demanding starting positions.

A genuine early tempo would reward runners that can conserve energy behind the speed. Sweynesday has enough tactical flexibility on paper to find a suitable position, while Infancy and Accredited should be able to take advantage of their lower gates. The precise running order remains dependent on tactics and scratchings; the barrier numbers alone do not establish which horses will lead.

2026 The Hunter Tips

Betting Verdict

Sweynesday is our selection on balance rather than an overwhelming standout. Infancy and Accredited both have realistic claims at larger prices, while General Salute is capable of making the finish if he handles his weight and draw. King Of Roseau and Pericles have the ability but must overcome substantial map disadvantages. With such an open handicap, monitor scratchings, track conditions and late market movement before betting.