A capacity field has been assembled for the Hanging Rock Cup (1800m) on Monday, where Real Alliance is the clear market elect.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2026 Hanging Rock Cup.
2026 Hanging Rock Cup Runner Preview:
1. The Mighty Spar: Star jumper who has jumped out super for the return. Getting ready for Warrnambool I suspect, but he is capable on the flat. Not hopeless.
2. Father’s Day: SCR
3. Fox Appeal: SCR
4. Sing For Peace: Well and truly given a good grounding for the return, but like The Mighty Spar, he’s getting ready for jumping. I think he goes through to the keeper.
5. Real Alliance: SCR
6. His Finest Hour: Tried his absolute guts out at Flemington last start but just found one better in Midnite Storm. Been up a while but is holding his form really well. Just not sure he will run a truly run 1800m. Keen to oppose.
7. Altruist: Just fair at Warrnambool last start and looks tested here.
8. Feargal: Attempted to lead throughout at Warrnambool last start and gave a strong kick but was nabbed late by Brung King. Good racing style, will give a sight. Last bit may test.
9. Friday At Five: They rode with a sit in the Burrumbeet Cup and she reacted, working home strongly when second to Station One. But I do think on speed is her go and if she can slot in forward of midfield, she’s dangerous.
10. Gift Of Oratory: Suited up in trip but was plain first up and needs more racing I think.
11. Cable De Vega (First Emergency): SCR
12. Patsy’s Star (Second Emergency): He is cast.
13. Kokonotsu (Third Emergency): SCR
14. Max Mercury (Fourth Emergency): SCR
2026 Hanging Rock Cup $100 Betting Strategy:
$100 Win — His Finest Hour
Hanging Rock Cup Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | THE MIGHTY SPAR (NZ) | Mark Walker | Ms Sage Duric (a3/50kg) | 4 | 61kg |
| 4 | SING FOR PEACE (NZ) | Patrick & Michelle Payne | Ms Alana Kelly | 11 | 57.5kg |
| 6 | HIS FINEST HOUR (NZ) | Neil Dyer | Cian MacRedmond | 6 | 55kg |
| 7 | ALTRUIST | Brent Stanley | 7 | 54kg | |
| 8 | FEARGAL | Shane Jackson | Ms Melissa Julius | 5 | 54kg |
| 9 | FRIDAY AT FIVE | Henry Dwyer | Ms Sarah Field (a1.5/52.5kg) | 13 | 54kg |
| 10 | GIFT OF ORATORY | Austy Coffey | Jett Stanley | 2 | 54kg |
| 12e | PATSY’S STAR | Mick Sell | Ms Chelsea Taylor | 14 | 54kg |
Hanging Rock Cup Odds
2026 Hanging Rock Cup Speed Map
Feargal loves to lead and I think should lead this field up. Altruist will slide forward as well, whilst drawn wide, Friday At Five will force the issue, so I think the tempo will be genuine.
