An added bonus is the 1965 Melbourne Cup will be on display, with Light Fingers saluting that year and organisers are hoping the attraction will generate more buzz during the day.

Today’s $60,000 Hamilton Cup has attracted a very good field to go with an excellent under card.

Complimenting the cup are two strong country series races that culminate with finals at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate Day and Flemington on Oaks Day.

Both races are loaded with excellent country trained gallopers, including the exciting Mawallock from the Lindsey Smith stables in Warrnambool.

Finding the winner of the cup looks tricky with strong recent form lines of progressive horses mixed with well-credentialled topweight gallopers either out of form or first-up.

The Sue Murphy-trained Hasta La War heads the weights with a mammoth 63kg, while 2021 cup winner, Team Captain, will look to defend his title carrying 59kg at his first run since March.

Hasta La War’s two runs from a spell look ordinary on paper, but a track gallop at Murtoa on Tuesday indicated he’s ready to produce his best.

Team Captain trialled well at Ararat late last month and despite a wide draw expect him to go forward and play a big part in the finish.

The remainder of the field have a decisive weight advantage all carrying 54kgs.

Fearentless, trained by Paul Preusker, looks the likely favourite after a strong Flemington win.

On what is an exciting day for the stable, the cup quickly follows the Caulfield Guineas where unbeaten star colt Steparty is second favourite.

Florida Dream and Donnatrice look great chances, both coming through races won by First Immortal, who is a leading big cups hope in the spring.

A galloper who could strike after three runs from a spell is the Matthew Williams-trained Win O’Clock.

The former international is slowly finding form; last start he worked home nicely at Caulfield also behind First Immortal.

My cup selection is Fearentless, who is in form, well-weighted and can give exciting apprentice jockey, Ryan Houston, his first Hamilton Cup win.

Mawallock is a very exciting galloper and although pitted against an excellent field in the Valley Series Sprint, I expect him to lead and win with Fred Kersley riding.

The Smith stable should also feature prominently in the MCC Series BM70 over 1600m with Aspen Colorado and Stripped Back.

At the time of writing, Fred Kersley was listed to ride both, his choice of ride a good lead.

Earlier in the day, the Sue Murphy- trained Hasta La Chilly looks a strong chance based on his good trial win at Murtoa on Tuesday.

After a last start second at Gawler August, expect Jack Hill to use barrier one and race on speed and give the four-year-old son of Frosted every chance.

Looking for value, a box quinella/trifecta play with Lady Dumont, Sevillana and I’ve Got Your Back could net a nice return.

Local trainers with runners are Trudy Cottier who saddles up Dollar Bucks (R4) and Allaboutattitude (R5); Jess Constantine with Front Lawn (R4) and Snappy Li’l Thing, along with Matt and Louise Cooper-trained Drone Strike (R4).

All runners will be big odds but do have some claims to featuring.

Dollar Bucks has been placed on the track, Allaboutattitude has won over the 2200m trip on the track, while Snappy Li’l Thing is a first-up winner at big odds previously.

Good punting

Morg’s selections

Race 1: Barker, Loose On Gin, Mean Feat.

Race 2: Hasta La Chilly, Lady Dumont, Sevillana.

Race 3: Bodhisattva, Iliad, Hidden Melody.

Race 4: Ceejay, Sir Domigo, Feargal.

Race 5: New World Tapestry, Starboard Light, Assignment.

Race 6: Mawallock, Prophet’s Choice, Angelone.

Race 7: Aspen Colorado, Place Of Gold, Boh Rhap.

Race 8: Fearentless, Florida Dream, Win O’Clock.