BY: STRONG BLADDER

OUT OF: HEAVY NIGHT

JOCKEY: NEIL ARGALL

HANDICAP: 22

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 9

NUMBER OF WINS: 1

Hasn’t been able to find any form this year, consistently stumbling in the middle distance. Usually, on approaching the home turn he puts on a brilliant turn of pace to maintain his position at the rear of the pack.

A mugs bet.

BY: BAD HAIRCUT

OUT OF: PERMED AND SET

JOCKEY: GERRY BARBER

HANDICAP: 21

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 25

NUMBER OF WINS: 5

The handicapper finally caught up with this impressive improver putting much more weight on his back for this year’s event. Had a purple patch earlier in the year with a number of wins. Is still a consistent place getter who could take out the big one. Carrying 9kgs more than last year.

Definitely a big chance.

Although a domestic mare has him by the short and curlies, when he hits the track he’s on for one thing. The only thing he knows, winning, and he let’s everyone know. From the fanciest float in the carpark to the glorious livery this colt is all class. Just ask his handlers. Hasn’t hit the track for some time but is capable of anything.

If you can afford it, bet on him.

BY: SALESMAN

OUT OF: FARMER’S DAUGHTER

JOCKEY: RODGER CLARKE

HANDICAP: 21

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 18

NUMBER OF WINS: 1

Another runner that has failed to maintain consistent form this year. Regardless of this his jockey has managed on many occasions to pick up admirably on side bets. Completed the year in the middle of the field.

A big occasion performer who likes to win the big ones. Particularly the two day events.

Worthy of a saver.

BY: MR. WALKER

OUT OF: GHOST WHO WALKS

JOCKEY: STEVE COLE

HANDICAP: 7

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 36

NUMBER OF WINS: 3

At the time of writing is one of the big chances for horse of the year. The top weight in the field, has maintained consistency throughout the year. Runner up in the Rich River handicap and carries that form into this event. STOP PRESS: Won horse of the year.

BY: ANSELL

OUT OF: DUREX (UK)

JOCKEY: RICHARD CONDON

HANDICAP: 27

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 2

NUMBER OF WINS: 0

Sorry Richard, couldn’t resist this comparison.

One of the lightweights of the field who has shown a remarkable change of form at the right time of the year. Despite a sunburnt mane he has taken the bit and put in a couple of amazing burst.

BY: SHYSTER

OUT OF: BOND CORP

JOCKEY: DARREN CURNOW

HANDICAP: 20

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 9

NUMBER OF WINS: 1

A mid field runner who is capable of anything on his day. Was caught up last year by the handicapper and still carries a similar weight. Performances less than inspirational yet workmanlike. Who knows what may happen if he finds his straps.

Consider an each way bet.

BY: CORRECT SWING

OUT OF: SWIVEL HIPS

JOCKEY: ALLAN DAVIES

HANDICAP: 15

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 34

NUMBER OF WINS: 5

The leader (at time of writing) in the "horse of the year". The most consistent performer this year despite an ever increasing handicap. Has won this event before, but has never achieved a win in a two week encounter. A bit like all British stallions "lacks staying power". Could this be the time it all changes? Horse of the year and Grand National. Take the double. STOP PRESS: Ran second in horse of the year.

BY: EVIL WINK

OUT OF: BALMY NIGHTS

JOCKEY: KEITH DEL ZOPPO

HANDICAP: 19

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 21

NUMBER OF WINS: 3

Another runner who has had a modest year. Consistently finishing in the top half but failing to run on. One suspects he is a dry track runner and may enjoy the conditions if the weather stays good. In all fairness to this colt, the winners circle has been graced by only a handful this year.

Definitely worth an each way bet.

BY: ONE PUTT

OUT OF: READ THE BORROW

JOCKEY: DAVID FORD

HANDICAP: 15

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 28

NUMBER OF WINS: 5

Has had a little trouble in the home straight this year. This may be due to the fact that his trainer was ordered off by the stewards. (Not Robbie Waterhouse; Tom Watson). However, has the ability on occasion to put in a blistering run and must be considered a chance. Finished in the top third.

Have him on the nose.

BY: MORNING SHADE

OUT OF: SUNRISE

JOCKEY: KEN GRIST

HANDICAP: 18

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 27

NUMBER OF WINS: 2

When it comes to consistency this stallion is always up with the front runners. His unassuming jockey never goes for the whip preferring to ride hands and heels. Rumour has it he was bucked off a rocking horse when he gave it a slap on the rump. Look for him one back on the rails as they enter the home turn.

Bet on him at any odds.

BY: KELTYS SON

OUT OF: HALFPENNIES CHOICE

JOCKEY: FRED HOWE

HANDICAP: 22

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 16

NUMBER OF WINS: 1

Came close to being gelded earlier this year. Fortunately, the vitals were saved and he’s ready to be used for stud purposes once again. Complains about his weight and believes this should be a weight for age event. A consistent place getter who wants this one. Finished well in horse of the year despite an enforced trip to pasture.

Each way odds or better.

BY: TURKISH DELIGHT

OUT OF: SWEET TOOTH

JOCKEY: TREVOR JACKSON

HANDICAP: 22

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 11

NUMBER OF WINS: 2

A trimmer version approaches the starting gates this year. Another starter whose form has been less than consistent this year. He did though manage to pick up some of the minor prize money at Rich River and could surprise provided his jockey doesn’t use his spurs.

Worthy of a place bet.

BY: MCENROE’S CHOICE

OUT OF: PERFECT DEMEANOUR

JOCKEY: BOB MCDONALD

HANDICAP: 22

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 11

NUMBER OF WINS: 1

A more relaxed runner this year. His biggest problem is making certain decisions. Should he wear the new or old blinkers? Should he run with new or old racing gear? Or the combination of both. Winner of the Rich River handicap has the proven form over two days. Weighted much lower this year.

BY: HIGH DECIBEL

OUT OF: RED EARS

JOCKEY: DES NIXON

HANDICAP: 19

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 5

NUMBER OF WINS: 1

Another starter who has been spelling throughout the winter. However, this arthritic old stallion headed for warmer climes and is back chaffing at the bit. Once again, recent form is hard to judge but if he hits his straps anything could happen.

Has won this event in the past. Worth a bundle.

BY: IF I CAN

OUT OF: MAYBE I WILL

JOCKEY: ANDREW PETRICOLA

HANDICAP: 11

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 13

NUMBER OF WINS: 3

The tyranny of distance often keeps this colt from appearing on race days. Yet he still does enough to maintain his racing form. His jockey confounded a number of people recently when he appeared looking like a Myer’s window dresser. Next, we thought, he’d be calling everybody "dahling".

Definitely a big chance.

BY: TIENMEN

OUT OF: STUFF U

JOCKEY: CHRIS PRIEMS

HANDICAP: 15

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 32

NUMBER OF WINS: 3

BY: BY TIENENMEN

OUT OF: STUFF U

JOCKEY: ROBERT PRIEMS

HANDICAP: 17

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 21

NUMBER OF WINS: 4

The handicapper finally caught up with this young colt and subsequently is carrying more weight than last year. Even so, he has managed to salute the judge on a number of occasions and this could be another time that he parades proudly in the winner’s circle.

BY: C SHARP MAJOR

OUT OF: DISCHORD

JOCKEY: CRAIG SHARP

HANDICAP: 16

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 18

NUMBER OF WINS: 3

This is a sorry piece of horse flesh. One day it’s the winning post, next day the knackery. Just ask those who saw him run at Rich River. Has shown his ability to win in top company throughout the year. The question is, this week will it be glory or glue?

BY: BRADMANS DREAM

OUT OF: SPALDINGS REVENGE

JOCKEY: TONY TOME

HANDICAP: 36

CHAMP/SHIP POINTS: 0

NUMBER OF WINS: 0

The Don would be proud of this stallion’s average. Did make a great improvement in the last qualifier of the year showing a remarkable change of form. His jockey is a laconic person with a wry sense of humour who takes the good with the bad.