Fresh off a memorable Champions Day at Flemington, trainer Joe Pride is shifting focus to Saturday’s $1 million The Hunter at Newcastle, where he will field a powerful team.

Former winner Coal Crusher headlines Pride’s quartet, joined by stablemates Accredited, Estadio Mestalla and Golden Mile in the 1300-metre feature.

Pride is confident in his line-up after a strong week on the track.

“Coal Crusher was a nice run in the Russell Balding and there’s the two horses that went really well the other day – they ran one-two at Randwick – so it’s a strong hand in what will be no doubt a competitive race,” he said.

Among 29 entries are The Ingham winner Robusto, Iowna Merc, Airman, Yorkshire and Maher’s import Darnation.

Coal Crusher, third last year after winning The Hunter in 2023, finished fourth to Jimmysstar in the Russell Balding Stakes.

Pride hopes Golden Mile can improve after a below-par run, saying: “He’s been disappointing so far so I’m hoping he can find something, because he needs to find a couple of lengths.”