His form has been inconsistent this year and has finished mid field. On his day a brilliant performer, but off song a truly bad bet. A long odds each way bet. Finished third last year.

NUMBER OF WINS: 3

Another young colt who finished the year with his head held high. Didn’t challenge in the championship but left a lot behind him. An extremely slow starter out of the gates, and in the straight, and at the home turn, but precise in every movement. Have him each way.

As for the same time last year is currently leading the horse of the year. Has failed to take this out in the past, but has the guts and determination to win a two week event. Twice horse of the year and a worthy winner. A straight up bet.

If ever a name suited a horse, this is the one. Last year’s winner made the Fine Cotton affair look like Alice in Wonderland. It was only after correct weight was announced and prize money awarded that it was brought to the Stewards’ notice that the jockey had fiddled the weights. As it was a convincing win along with graft and corruption the protest was overruled. Could front up again.

A maiden runner who has little or no form over the distance. Has been cruelly treated by the handicapper since his first run. However, his championship placing mid field suggests he is capable of anything. A quiet achiever who could set the field on their heels. Worth a saver.

A total enigma. He performs like a shower. One minute he’s red hot, the next icy cold. Regardless, has won this event before and is a proven two day stayer. Given his close association with handicapper, is carrying a generous weight and could do well definitely worth a flutter.

Another runner who’s form has been inconsistent throughout the year, and yet has managed to finish mid field. The worry with this type is, is this the week? If he runs to his best form the finishing post is definitely in sight. Must be given a chance as a saver bet.

A definite contender, at the time of writing still alive in the horse of the year and has a strong emotional bond with this event. A sturdy stallion who always runs clear of the running rail, finding the middle going the safest. Could easily salute the judges. Dig deep for this one.

NUMBER OF WINS: -

His extra curricular activities kept him away from the track on a frequent basis. God knows why we’re even preparing pen notes for this runner. Will he appear? I doubt it. Still he’s a light weight who could be worth a flutter.

And still a dark horse as far as the punters are concerned. Took a sabbatical to graze in far off fields. It is believed the connections actually arranged secret training arenas to set him for this event. Another with strong emotional ties. Definitely worthy of a saver.

The connections of this horse have appealed to the Stewards, the hierarchy, the Club officials, and to he who sits at the right hand of God, to have this event altered from handicap to weight for age. Fortunately, for the rest of the runners all of the above were deaf. He still finished way ahead of a lot of young frisky colts. Wants this desperately and could perform. A good each way bet.

Has not been his best year, consistently falling into large black holes. The connections however, have faith in him and have paid acceptances despite him constantly turfing his gear. Once again well handicapped and certainly worth a saver.

Another maiden runner who has started to hit his straps at the right end of the season. Has placed consistently of recent times. One of the lightweights of the field who could easily place in this long distance race. At least worth a place bet.

NUMBER OF WINS: 3

It was recorded in last year’s form guide that this stallion’s demeanour has improved. Well since he gave up pulling the rice cart and has gone to greener pastures, his old habits have returned. Constantly spitting the bit. Did, however finish in the middle of the field and must be a chance.

Has been an inconsistent starter this year, so his horse of the year’s points are not truly indicative of his ability. Another of the lightweights who could perform in a staying event. If he can stay on the track could be a chance to place.

Should more likely be called Wiley J. Fox. Although he has been unable to appear regularly on race day, word has it he has been trialling this track out of hours. Connections suggest he’s afraid of the handicapper. Wants this badly, worth a bundle.

This young colt is another of those runners who’s attendances have been rather tardy. So once again, discount his current standings. One thing to note though is his mane. It has been trimmed in a number of differing styles this year. Watch out for dreadlocks. Worth a big flutter.

Challenging all the way for horse of the year when his sire threw a spanner in the works. A consistent performer who has caught the eye of the handicapper and is now possibly carrying "correct weight". Definitely short odds and one of the favourites.

Another prodigy of that marvelous sire Tienenmen. Finished in the top 20% in horse of the year, but was nobbled cruelly by the handicapper. His adjustment in weights was among the most severe in recent history. Still, he has the temperament to perform. Definitely a winning chance.

Could probably have made Don Bradman’s 1948 team if all things were equal. An awe inspiring sprinter who showed he is fallible when he stumbled recently over a two day event. Regardless, I have taken a second mortgage on the house to enter the bidding.

Money is no object to ensuring this young colt is correctly groomed and carrying the correct gear. Another maiden who due to commitments elsewhere was an infrequent starter on this track. Has kept his potential under wraps and is a slight enigma. Worthy of a place bet.

This sick little puppy should be at the greyhounds. Has the ability to fall over at the last turn. Has lead a two day event, but self induces nasties to ensure he can’t win. His connections probably have their money elsewhere. Worth noting: came second in the challenge to Gaelic Dream and if he drinks out of the right trough could improve on that performance. Have him on the nose (then baby him for a week).

A handy young colt facing this event for the first time. Took to the track to take on his sire in the staying stakes. Once again a horse who caught the eye of the handicapper and has performed well under heavier weights. Definitely worth a saver.

NUMBER OF WINS: 2

They say today’s rooster, tomorrow’s feather duster. In this case it’s last year’s peanut, to this year’s genuine contender. Has proved his mettle with a dramatic result in his handicap. Has also saluted the judges on a couple of occasions, don’t discount him.