Kosciuszko hero Far Too Easy ready to add another feature victory in the Group 2 The Hunter

Trainer David McColm is chasing another career highlight with Far Too Easy in the $2 million The Hunter at Newcastle on Saturday.

Trainer David McColm is confident stable star Far Too Easy is ready to replicate his Kosciuszko brilliance in Saturday’s Group 2 $1 million The Hunter at Newcastle.

It was third time’s a charm for McColm’s ‘Murwillumbah Missile’ in this year’s Kosciuszko after the smart son of All Too Hard stormed past two-time defending champion Front Page to salute at Royal Randwick.

The victory was a career highlight for McColm, who is hoping Far Too Easy can add to his growing legacy in Newcastle’s richest race over 1300m.

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Far Too Easy is a $4.20 chance to continue his hot form in The Hunter.

“I really think if he did what he does in the Kosciuszko, he is going to be hard to beat again,” McColm said.

“I think when you look at the form too, Front Page went around in Melbourne on Saturday and ran really good race.

“When you have a look at that last 50m of the Kozzie, he was going away from Front Page and if he runs that type of race again on Saturday, he is right on.”

Queensland-based hoop Kyle Wilson Taylor, who has ridden Far Too Easy to stakes success in Brisbane, will travel down to pilot the gelding.

But the visiting rider’s life was made tougher when Far Too Easy drew out in barrier 11 for Saturday’s assignment.

Two-time The Everest placegetter Private Eye ($6.50) will jump from one to his outside while last year’s The Hunter victor Coal Crusher ($11) has also drawn out and favourite Briasa ($2.80) is in gate 10.

Far Too Easy proves dreams can come true, and races past Front Page to become the 2024 Kosciuszko champ for @DavidMccolm2 and @CWilliamsJockey 🙌@aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/rbntV0Fb1x

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 19, 2024

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“We have got speed on the outside of us and I think we follow them across and be in a stalking position,” McColm said.

“Unfortunately we are going to be caught maybe three deep and that’s not ideal but that’s probably what’s going to happen I would think.

“We won’t be going back. When we draw bad like this we normally go back but we won’t be doing that.

“He would have too much ground to make up on horses like horse likes Front Page or Coal Crusher if they dictate out the front.

“That’s where we need to be to win the race.”

Newcastle was a soft 6 on Thursday and McColm hopes it stays that way.

Far Too Easy has proven to be near unbeatable on soft going with five wins and a second in six attempts, including his last start success on a soft 5 in The Kosciuszko.

“If we get a bit of moisture out of the ground, drawing the outside probably isn’t the worst thing,” McColm said.

“I am just hoping we get some rain which will only enhance his chances.”

Far Too Easy is the second favourite for the Group 2 The Hunter at Newcastle. Picture: Grant Guy

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McColm has had plenty of time to reflect on his unforgettable Kosciuszko win.

The trainer celebrated the victory out in Inverell at the Tattersall’s Hotel with the group of more than 50 patrons who were part of the syndicate that snapped up Far Too Easy in their slot for the state’s richest country event.

“It was humbling,” McColm said.

“Everyone out there was forever gracious and happy just to be a part of it.”

McColm wants to have another crack at The Kosciuszko next year while he’s got the Magic Millions Carnival on the radar again at the Gold Coast in January.

He finished fourth in the $1 million Magic Millions Cup last year and McColm has the same race in mind for his star gelding if he can maintain his top form over the coming months.

Far Too Easy has already won his connections more than $2.3 million in prizemoney with an outstanding record of nine victories and five placings from 22 starts.

The Michael, John and Wayne Hawkes-trained Briasa comes into The Hunter with an even better strike rate having saluted in five of his six starts to date while finishing an unlucky fourth in his only defeat.

With 30 nominations there was a danger that the favourite wouldn’t make the field however it had been reduced to 14 starters on Thursday afternoon.

Home track trainer Kris Lees will chase his victory in The Hunter with impressive last start Ladies Day Cup winner Rustic Steel ($21).

Originally published as Kosciuszko hero Far Too Easy ready to add another feature victory in the Group 2 The Hunter