Since his third in this event two years ago and running with the same weight has failed to impress. Has shown signs of brilliance in short bursts but form suggests he will struggle over the distance. Struggling to stay near the rails.

Like the preceding horse has failed to impress this year. Spends most of his time cleaning the track, but was recently nearly disciplined for walking past a chewing gum wrapper without picking it up. A well groomed colt who at least looks the part.

A no show last year for personal reasons (it was suggested he had been turned out to stud). Obviously rejected by the mares, because he is back on the track. Has the points on the board to suggest that on his day could be one that’s hard to beat. Well weighted.

And for half of this year lived up to his name. Resumed after a long spell and could still be placed in horse of the year. Anyone with deep pockets and long arms could do worse than to punt on this one. Weighted generously above his best.

A low profile stallion who once again has finished mid field. Has the score on the board to indicate he is capable of performing over the longer distance. This one definitely has to be an outside chance.

SCRATCHED

Another starter (at the time of writing) who has a chance of placing in the horse of the year, must be at least an each way bet. Forget his form at Bendigo, he made up for it the next week on his home turf. Loves this track.

Came within a hair’s breadth of capturing third place in this year’s horse of the year. An extremely consistent performer who has the capability of taking a first week’s performance into a second innings. Must be considered a genuine chance.

As extra-curricular duties haven’t pervaded this year as much as last year, he has been able to front the judges more often. This has resulted in him being noticed by the handicapper who has severely increased his weight. This has not stopped him saluting the judge even more so. Definitely a worthy bet.

Overseas appearances have meant this nifty little colt hasn’t been able to attend as often as one would hope. Officially put out to pasture, this has not stopped him from chasing the big bucks elsewhere. Whenever he did grace us with his presence, almost every time ran a place. A definite contender who has won this in the past.

A maiden runner whose connections have been known to bet a bob or three. In his first season at this track has come close to being a Group 1 runner. Has secured enough championship points to ensure he’ll be with the leaders at the home turn. Definitely worth a punt.

Wanted to participate in the walk for reconciliation, but instead quoted Shakespeare at the starting gates on the third. Is still beseeching all who will listen that this event should be weight for age. Fortunately nobody does. However, weighted 2kg lighter than last year and could show.

If his jockey would only mount him from the right side he may perform more admirably. Missed a lot of time earlier in the year, but like Dark Horse, when able to have a run made the most of his chances. So ignore the form, multiply it by 2 and your close. Can he perform over two days?

NUMBER OF WINS: 5

Although under a severe weight disadvantage compared to last year, has managed to finish third in horse of the year. As the first place getter is a scratching, how difficult is it going to be to get odds on him. Must be in the money.

"Did you see that"? And one day the clouds will part and a voice will boom down from the heavens "Yes – you missed". Regardless, came second to horse of the year at Bendigo, and like Archbishop consideration must be given to the fact that Gaelic Dream won’t be running. Worth a bundle.

Another import from that frigid land mass north of England. If it’s not one Scot winning the spoils it’s the other. Although a maiden, should be taken seriously. Started late in the season and still managed to finish mid field. Take a close look.

His second in the horse of the year makes him unbackable. Has been one of the most consistent performers this year. A maiden runner who has yet to prove that he is a distance performer. However, with the runs on the board his backers must be waiting for the Banks to open.

Hasn’t performed as well as his sibling this year, but still managed to finish in front of most of the field. This is one stallion who likes the big events and is not afraid to take a bow and bask in the spotlight. Would dearly like to pinch this one from his stablemate.

With his new running gear should be at Moonee Valley on a Saturday night. More suited to driving a sulky than throwing his leg over. This however does give him an advantage in running over his opponents, especially in the warmer weather when the going takes it out of you. If it looks like being hot, this is the one.

This young colt is still sowing wild oats and is consistently doing himself harm. Whether fighting reinforcement or using his face as a fist stopper he is extremely battle scarred. This has not stopped him racing up the ladder after a couple of brief spells. Methinks it’s either the winning post or the knackery.

Had a little trouble with his gear throughout the year, (a bad worker blames his tools). This didn’t stop him just missing a place in the horse of the year. Extremely competitive and frisky colt who must be given a huge chance of a place and the opportunity of saluting the judge.

Withdrawn by order of the Stewards – SO THERE

Or should he be described as Primrose’s love child? Little David has enjoyed an extremely good year. So good that it has been brought to the handicapper’s notice. As a consequence he is 3kg heavier than for last year. Could be the dark horse in the field.

SCRATCHED

Another maiden runner, one of the lightweights, who isn’t handicapped as lightly as he was a couple of weeks ago. Has hit his straps at the right time of the year. Has improved his ranking incredibly over the last month. Must be the outsider to consider. Definitely worth a place bet.

SCRATCHED