Has not saluted the Judge this year in open competition and has no form in staying events. However, has been a consistent placegetter and is currently (at time of writing) a contender for Horse of the Year.

Each way potential.

Handicap has eased since this time last year. But so too has his form. Could it be that he’s been playing dead waiting for the big pay day? Bolters have won this in the past.

Well weighted and ready to bolt.

An import from across the border who has done just enough to warrant a flutter. Weighted extremely well for a staying race, where just a little bit of luck will give him a large break on the field.

Worth a punt.

Doesn’t always appear at acceptances, but when he does makes his presence felt. Has also performed well in Horse of the Year considering his limited appearances.

Worthy of a plunge.

Another mid field runner who has performed consistently throughout the year. Although he prefers two horse races, has the points on the board to be considered a real chance.

An excellent purchase.

Currently the front runner in Horse of the Year. Has gone off the boil recently, but Stewards are investigating. It would appear that for this year at least, would like some weight taken from his saddle bags. If on song, will be hard to beat.

Put a bundle on him.

Withdrawn by the connections, Stewards are investigating.

A genuine stayer who has the runs on the board. A past winner of this event and the current holder of the Mustard Jacket for his performance at Bendigo where he blitzed the field.

Bring out the credit card.

Withdrawn on veterinary advice.

Came into the fold as a lightweight. Paled visibly when the Handicapper bought him back to the field. A frisky colt who can carry the extra weight and has adapted.

Long distance form unknown but worth a plunge.

An old warhorse who has many tricks above the hoof. Has already secured the one on one trophy. History would be made if he won this one. Connections will not be involved so I suggest don’t let this one go cheaply.

Another maiden runner who has done just enough to qualify for this event. An unassuming colt who is a mid field runner waiting for his chance to pounce. Is weighted well enough for a long distance race and could be there at the finish.

Place bet.

One of the most consistent place getters this year. Has fared well in the Horse of the Year voting and sitting near the top of the Leaders Board. Has won this in the past and would like to add to his silverware.

Worthy of a deep plunge.

Another well performed stallion who has the runs on the board. Will not make Horse of the Year this year, but gave it a bloody good shake finishing near the top of the board. A genuine marathon runner.

No short arms and deep pockets on this one.

A lightweight who has managed to avoid the wrath of the Handicapper. Has saluted on occasion and has the silverware to prove it. Forget his last start, it was believed connections were holding him back for a big wager.

Suggest you do the same.

Next week this horse will be 11 ½ years old. That equates to 80 years in human terms. Not bad for a horse that is leaving many young stallions and colts in his wake. Has wanted this for many years and on current form and weight could possibly pull it off.

Worthy of a big wager.

AND BY THE WAY HAPPY BIRHDAY FRED.

Another of the lightweights who hasn’t performed to his best until recently, however has had problems with his saddle and cinch and has been visiting numerous vets to allay all problems.

Has enough points up to be worthy of a large place bet at least.

Here’s another frisky young? Stallion who was well up on the Leaders Board. Has won a few this year and could have challenged for the lead. Has the talent and the ability to take this out if he can hold it together for the long haul.

Put a packet on him.

An angry young colt who attacks the course while in the gates. He is obviously unhappy about the way the curator has prepared the track and takes time to realign the turf. Has saluted this year on a couple of occasions but handicap proves that he is capable.

Take an each way bet.

Has already secured an ace for the year and loves the sprint at the seventh (wants to wrap it up and take it home). Is still the most vocal horse in the field and can be heard from the finishing post when at the 1600m starting gate. Is currently second in Horse of the Year and a big chance.

Short pockets, long arms.

Another stuttering starter who fronts just in time to make acceptances. Only just eligible as a runner in the Cup and form is questionable. Has performed well considering limited starts and may be training elsewhere.

At least a place chance or better.

A consistent performer who loves the big event. A mean lean green machine when his backs against the wall. Has done exceptionally well in Horse of the Year, and has carried the extra weight with ease. If you’re looking for a dour stayer this is the one.

Back him accordingly.

Weighted more favourably than this time last year. However has not impressed with recent form. Like others in the field could be laying up, waiting for the big one. As favourites rarely win this, he could be considered a good lightweight outsider.

Think the place.

A maiden runner who has been keeping his form under wraps. A passive colt who has no mood swings and does what his jockey asks of him. In his short time in the stables has done enough to ensure that he’s worthy of a saver. Improved impressively over recent weeks.

Take him on the nose.

The top weight in this year’s field but carrying less weight than last year. Is well up the Leaders Board and hitting his straps at the right time of the year. Recently stormed home to win the one on one against open company. Definitely one of the favourites.

Mortgage the house.

Has performed consistently this year, to it would appear, just failing to place in Horse of the Year. Has altered his gait to now remaining on the track at all times rather than attempting to climb the running rails. With his more direct approach a definite chance.

Take him for the win.

A sporadic starter whose ranking on the Leaders Board belies his true potential. Is weighted well for this event and is a gutsy runner who enjoys a tight situation. A gritty never say die type of colt who will certainly last the distance.

Worth a flutter.

Found himself running in open company much sooner than expected. Obviously it’s true what they say, relieving sexual tension improves performance elsewhere. Confined to one stall now, and grazing in one pasture, he has performed well at the right time of the year. The heavier weight shouldn’t bother.

Worth a bankroll.

Put out for a spell and has been grazing peacefully since September. Connections say the rest has done him good, adding some condition to his frame. Despite the layoff, has done enough earlier in the year to qualify. The equal light weight who must be given a chance to at lest place.

Each way bet.

The current defending champion. Could he do a Lleyton Hewitt and go back to back? His bank manager hopes so. Based on his first round performance at Bendigo earlier this year, if he can hold it together for two weeks could just do a Lleyton.

Discuss the odds with his bank manager.

Unlike the previous runner this colt has attitude and style. If he ran last would prance off the track and head for the Winners Circle. Doesn’t know the meaning of defeat and will be out to prove his worth. A scratching last year who has improved since his prior run.

Big wads of money.