DAVE Stanley might freely admit he is not a professional tipster, but the renowned commentator has been involved with the racing industry long enough to know what he likes in a horse.
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That is why he has a feeling that Zaunkonig could be the runner which takes out Sunday's $40,000 Bathurst Cup at Tyers Park.
The Sky Racing identity will act as master of ceremonies for the Country Showcase meeting and is impressed with the quality of the 12 horses who will contest the feature.
"It's a really strong field and what I've noticed from all my experience from being in the game is the quality of the surface at Bathurst is paramount and that is why the quality of the field is there," he said.
"They do roll out a good racing surface and facility, that's why trainers send so many horses out there and the club should be commended for that."
When it comes to his pick for the cup, Stanley feels seven-year-old gelding Zaunkonig from the Rosehill stable of Richard and Michael Freedman is a genuine threat.
He feels seventh, eighth and fifth placings since resuming from a 90-week spell is a better form indicator than it first appears.
"I don't know what sort of odds he will start at, but I don't mind Zaunkonig," he said.
"I think it's been building nicely for this race, I know it's lat start at Newcastle it finished over four lengths off the pace, but I think it can definitely improve.
"When it comes to the tip I'm no pro, but I just like the way this horse shaping up, the fact he's had those three runs back ... I really think they have set him for this race."
But it is not just the three lead-up runs which has Stanley leading towards the Northern Meteor x Zaiyda gelding. The distance and the man who will ride Zaunkonig are also factors.
"I like Lee Magorrian too, he's a good young jockey ... I just think he'll run a big race, they've obviously picked this race out for him and he's a 1600 metre, 1800 metres plus race horse," he said.
"If he gets the right race, it's the right distance and he's got a good jockey ... I think he's a chance."
While Stanley will have to wait until 4.53pm to see just what Zaunkonig will do and if he can take his career record to five wins from 27 starts, there will be plenty of racing action before that.
The eight-race meeting starts at 1.19pm.
"I just hope that a lot of people get out there. I've been to a lot of races in the world and seen a lot of race tracks, but I do enjoy a country cup meeting," Stanley said.
