The David Atkins-trained Jonker and favourite Graff were big winners among the local chances in acceptances and the barrier draw for the $1 million The Hunter (1300 metres) on Wednesday.
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Jonker was the last horse into the 15-strong field for the inaugural running of the Newcastle race, which attracted 26 nominations.
The four-year-old, winner of the Max Lees Classic two years ago, then drew well in barrier three, which should become two with emergencies taken out.
Jonker, trained in Newcastle and with Hunter owners, shortened from $51 to $34 with TAB Fixed Odds on Wednesday with the draw. He will also carry just 52 kilograms and have Robbie Dolan in the saddle.
Top Newcastle trainer Kris Lees accepted with all five of his nominations but Miss Fabulass, which drew one, was left as the fourth and final emergency.
Graff (jockey Brenton Avdulla) fared best of the Lees starters at the draw, gaining gate eight, which should become six. Backed from $8 into $4 when markets opened, Graff was the $3.60 top elect on Wednesday after the draw.
The rest of the Lees team drew the outside half.
Top-weight of 59.5kg Le Romain (Hugh Bowman) gained gate 15, which could become 11, and he drifted from $8 to $10. Tactical Advantage (Nash Rawiller) secured 12, which was likely to become eight and he shortened from $15 to $10. Invincible Gem (Rachel King) drew 14, likely to be 10, and she went from $13 to $16.
Newcastle trainer Jason Deamer's Bon Amis drew well in six, likely to be four, but drifted from $8 to $9.50.
