BY: STRONG BLADDER

OUT OF: HEAVY NIGHT

JOCKEY: NEIL ARGALL

HANDICAP: 21

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 20

A consistent place getter earlier in the season, who recently fell off the place.

However, has rediscovered his earlier form with two current placings. Has found it difficult to find the winning post but on his day anything could happen.

BY: BAD HAIRCUT

OUT OF: PERMED AND SET

JOCKEY: GERRY BARBER

HANDICAP: 32

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 5

Has the ability occasionally to hit the fairways, but generally prefers to take the outside running (like two fairways away). Has been seen to hit a 3 iron longer than most can hit a driver.

If on this occasion decides to take the short way home, his light weight could prove to be beneficial.

A good each way bet.

BY: KEEP IT STRAIGHT

OUT OF: STEADY AS SHE GOES

JOCKEY: MARK CASEY

HANDICAP: 14

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 4

The number of championship points achieved is no real measure of this colt’s ability. Hasn’t run this track as often as in past years, but has in the past taken out some major events.

On his day a definite hope. Took out last year’s Winter Cup.

BY: SALESMAN

OUT OF: FARMER’S DAUGHTER

JOCKEY: RODGER CLARKE

HANDICAP: 22

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 22

Winner of this year’s Winter Cup and has a trophy case waiting to be filled.

So far the double hasn’t been taken out but word has it that the connections have taken a big plunge. Consistent form throughout the year suggests this starter must be a big chance – especially if his fairway woods are hot.

BY: MR. WALKER

OUT OF: GHOST WHO WALKS

JOCKEY: STEVE COLE

HANDICAP: 8

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 37

Still prefers to graze on early morning grass. However, has been seen mixing with the herd on a more frequent basis. Although quick out of the gates is even quicker once he’s past the post, heading for his float, so that he can receive a quick hose down.

Definitely one of the favourites. This year’s bridesmaid.

BY: SHYSTER

OUT OF: BOND CORP

JOCKEY: DARREN CURNOW

HANDICAP: 19

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 16

As was suggested in last year’s form guide, the handicapper caught up with this ring in. This colt made the fine cotton affair look like a game of tiddley winks. The severity of the handicapping has brought him back to the pack. Just the same has graced the winners circle on a couple of occasions and could do it again.

BY: CORRECT SWING

OUT OF: SWIVEL HIPS

JOCKEY: ALLAN DAVIES

HANDICAP: 18

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 25

A master of planning and foresight, this runner is a late scratching due to the fact his jockey is a master of planning and foresight.

BY: EVIL WINK

OUT OF: BALMY NIGHTS

JOCKEY: KEITH DEL ZOPPO

HANDICAP: 26

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 9

A novice to this event and typical of most dark horses. Quiet and unassuming on the outside. But on the inside lies a heart pulsing with passion and desire. If his jockey can channel this energy, anything can happen.

BY: ONE PUTT

OUT OF: READ THE BORROW

JOCKEY: DAVID FORD

HANDICAP: 14

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 39

A non starter last year due to a slight hiccup, this stayer is back and not only in form but in full flight. Has already added extensively to his trophy cabinet this year and would dearly like to add this cup. His trainer, one Tom Watson has been noticeable by his absence.

Big money on this one.

BY: MORNING SHADE

OUT OF: SUNRISE

JOCKEY: KEN GRIST

HANDICAP: 20

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 24

Another consistent runner who has graced the winners circle more than once this year. A disarming runner who quietly moves up through the pack when you least expect it, then grabs the race by the scruff of the neck.

Definitely worth a flutter.

BY: DRYTRACK

OUT OF: SUNUP

JOCKEY: ALAN HEWETT

HANDICAP: 13

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 19

Don’t be confused by the number of championship points achieved. This old stallion doesn’t leave his stable in certain weather conditions preferring to save his energy for the group 1 events.

The canny would invest.

BY: KELTYS SON

OUT OF: HALFPENNIES CHOICE

JOCKEY: FRED HOWE

HANDICAP: 20

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 13

Not content with dominating the track for countless years, he then introduced the first of his own bloodstock. This year he introduced a second young colt. The sons of Tienenmen are both giving the course a real shaking. So is he, so keep your eye on him.

BY: TURKISH DELIGHT

OUT OF: SWEET TOOTH

JOCKEY: TREVOR JACKSON

HANDICAP: 24

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 12

An enigma, he either heads straight for the winning post or decides to take a leisurely wander through the trees. On his day an extremely calm runner or alternatively can be extremely harsh on himself.

Check his demeanour before betting.

BY: MCENROE’S CHOICE

OUT OF: PERFECT DEMEANOUR

JOCKEY: BOB MCDONALD

HANDICAP: 19

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 18

His jockey must have the greatest range of silks of all time. Parades in sartorial elegance each week and sometimes plays as well as he looks. On other occasions is uttering blasphemies and imploring the Maker immediately he’s out of the gates.

BY: ARMPITS

OUT OF: HOO CARES

JOCKEY: MICHAEL MCDONALD

HANDICAP: 36

A calmer more rational runner now that he has changed stables. Has even been seen to graze the same pasture as his sire. No wins this year but did score one last year.

On averages this could be his week.

BY: STRATE LINE

OUT OF: CHECK THE CARD

JOCKEY: TONY MIFSUD

HANDICAP: 20

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 4

The little filly we mentioned in last year’s guide finally eventuated. The down side is, that said filly obviously has better things for this randy stallion to do than have a run on Saturdays. This may have affected his form. But who can tell? I for one can’t as I’ve forgotten what he looks like.

BY: AMBER FLUID

OUT OF: WILLING ALE

JOCKEY: MACK MURRAY

HANDICAP: 22

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 6

This horse requires a drinking trough at each 100m mark. Doesn’t believe in hanging around while others graze or adjust the bit. His jockey was recently upset when his horse was drawn in the third heat of an event and was heard to say, "thank god I’ve got a slab in the float".

BY: HIGH DECIBEL

OUT OF: RED EARS

JOCKEY: DES NIXON

HANDICAP: 16

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 13

Won this event last year and loath to give up the cup. Although weighted in accordance could give this a real shake again. An infrequent visitor who managed to gain a number of championship points. As one who has played with him, may I say a delightful partner – but watch him

BY: IF I CAN

OUT OF: MAYBE I WILL

JOCKEY: ANDREW PETRICOLA

HANDICAP: 12

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 22

A devotee of Frank Lloyd Wright this runner has gained a 2 kilo handicap on last year’s performance, but then anyone who thinks that a perspective is something you see on a drawing board ought to be psycho-analysed. However, on a golf course is capable of anything.

BY: TIENMEN

OUT OF: STUFF U

JOCKEY: CHRIS PRIEMS

HANDICAP: 19

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 13

Has this amazing ability to hit a wild fade over the trees back to the middle of the fairway. (Forget the fact I’m not talking about horses here), ‘I’m also not talking about golfers’. But this hacker took out our trip away doing just that, and he blitzed a talented field. If he does it again next week – read’em and weep.

BY: BY TIENENMEN

OUT OF: STUFF U

JOCKEY: ROBERT PRIEMS

HANDICAP: 22

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 20

A full brother to ‘hit it hard’ who is determined to carry on his sires legacy. A maiden runner, who this year has impressed on a number of occasions and has the championship points to prove it.

Well weighted and could be in the photo.

BY: TOO BLOODY HARD

OUT OF: I’M ROOTED

JOCKEY: DENIS SMITH

HANDICAP: 16

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 16

A dubious starter who hasn’t been sighted since the Winter Cup, but up until then well within striking distance of the Club championship.

I’ll leave this one to the pundits.

BY: SHARKS CHOICE

OUT OF: QUEEN COBRA

JOCKEY: MICHAEL WRIGHT

HANDICAP: 16

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 13

Forget the fact that the mane is plaited and the tail brushed and tied in a bun, that’s only to fool you. He’s not here for dressage, he’s here to race and although his saddle bag is bigger than others, he carries correct weight. Another maiden who only just qualified, but look at the points he’s earned in such a short time.

Could be the subject of a betting plunge.

BY: C SHARP MAJOR

OUT OF: DISCHORD

JOCKEY: CRAIG SHARP