A TOUCH OF BLARNEY

BY :IRISH EYES

OUT OF :SWEET COLLEEN

JOCKEY: STEPHEN O'SULLIVAN

HANDICAP: 13

C/SHIP POINTS: 32

WIN/PLACE: 3 / 4

A slight increase in weight carried this year but the slump in the ratings is no guide.  An excellent win/place ratio despite the lack of sleep rounding up cattle in the middle of the night.  Thought to be bucking a little – for promotion, that is.

One to watch and bookies beware.

Zimmer

$35.00

OFF PISTE

BY: SLIPPERY SLOPE

OUT OF: CROSSCOUNTRY

JOCKEY: STEFAN BELEVSKI

HANDICAP: 7

C/SHIP POINTS: 45

WIN/PLACE: 4 / 4

Another two-year old colt that can be a bit flighty and needs careful handling if he is to perform at his best.  Has been known to over-shoot the opposition but is capable of brilliant recoveries. 

If he can be kept under control has the potential to excel and could easily come in as favourite.

Scratch

BIRDIE CHANCE

BY: STRATELINE

OUT OF: CHECK THE CARD

JOCKEY: TONY MIFSUD

HANDICAP: 15

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS: 33

WIN/PLACE: 0 /14

Another gun runner who looks to pick his events.  Not much change in his weight despite training on other courses and his rating is down because of this.

If he chooses to run, look out.

Scratch

DUTCH SAILOR

BY: ANY PORT

OUT OF: IN A STORM

JOCKEY: JAN SIEMON

HANDICAP: 15

C/SHIP POINTS: 24

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 7

Das Fliegen Hollander has been as much a mystery as his operatic counterpart – now you see him, now you don’t – or was that The Scarlet Pimpernel?  Has managed to salute the judges but recent form on a country track was whiffy to say the least.  However, if he can keep his eye on the ball, he could give the field a run for their money.

On recent form, hard to recommend.

Chrispy

$17.00

WINDY CITY

BY: CAPONE

OUT OF: VALENTINES DAY

JOCKEY: OLIVER GROSS

HANDICAP: 8

C/SHIP POINTS: 89

WIN/PLACE: 4 / 22

The Horse of the Year, this stallion has swept all before him throughout the season and yet has managed to avoid a big increase in weight.  Recent form has been phenomenal on both wet track and dry and seems to be improving day by day.

If you aren’t on this one you’re not in the event.

Targe

$85.00

BUCEPHALUS

BY: AUSSIE TRADER

OUT OF: WANTON DESTRUCTION

JOCKEY: MOSTYN GREGG

HANDICAP: 14

C/SHIP POINTS: 22

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 6

This young colt is a maiden and came into the field with a fairly light load.  Recent successes have brought the weight to reasonable levels for his ability but he should be still able to perform well. Loves to feed on grain.

Don’t miss this one.

Pepsi

$70.00

C.SHARP MINOR

BY: SHARP MAJOR

OUT OF: DISCORD

JOCKEY: CRAIG SHARP

HANDICAP: 13

C/SHIP POINTS : 39

WIN/PLACE 2 / 11

Always the best man, never the groom – no, that can’t be right.  This horse has managed a couple of wins this year on the basis of very similar form to last season.  Has plodded some of the fastest times for this track and if he can put them together for this event he will be unbeatable.

Got to be worth a gorilla.

Trev

$65.00

WOODCHIP

BY: STRONG BOUGH

OUT OF: PLANTATION FOREST

JOCKEY: HARRY BOUGHEN

HANDICAP: 19

C/SHIP POINTS: 47

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 16

This straight shooter has seen more podium action this season but hasn’t been able to put in the finishing burst.  A break to pasture in Italy and a new saddle and bridle seem to be having an effect and could produce the necessary boost to performance.

Well worth a flutter.

Brendon

$50.00

ODDS ON

BY: THE PUNTER

OUT OF: TWO FLIES

JOCKEY: GORDON HILL

HANDICAP: 11

C/SHIP POINTS: 50

WIN/PLACE: 2 / 13

Another steady performer that has maintained form through the year to be well up in the standings with a swag of placements and quite a few photos. His saddles? - had a hole-in-one this year. Is hard to beat when he is all fired up.

Put your super on him.

Targe

$95.00

ROUGH RUNNER

BY: STRATE LINE

OUT OF: CHECK THE CARD

JOCKEY: TARGE MIFSUD

HANDICAP : 19

C/SHIP POINTS: 56

WIN/PLACE: 0 / 20.

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride is one way to describe this reliable performer.  Despite the lack of wins, this beauty is well up in the ratings table with a swag of good placings.  Could be gunning to win this one.

Definitely an each way bet.

Mehmet

$65.00

THE LODGER

BY: SALESMAN

OUT OF: FARMER'S DAUGHTER

JOCKEY: RODGER CLARKE

HANDICAP: LAST PLAYED OFF 19

C/SHIP POINTS: 0

WIN/PLACE: 0 / 0

This old stager has not seen much action on this track and form on other turf has been kept very much under wraps.  The bionic knees seem to be holding up.  A tough one to judge and the training elsewhere might stand him in good stead.

If you like a rough-nut, this is the one to go for.

Rodger

$50.00

SOMETIME

BY: IF I CAN

OUT OF: MAYBE I WILL

JOCKEY: ANDREW PETRICOLA

HANDICAP: 5

C/SHIP POINTS: 57

WIN/PLACE: 0 / 16

This time he did and the fizzy drink went pop.  Now this stud stallion spends a good part of his time fussing around the new foal in the stables.  Although the handicap is lighter, this stayer has been recording some good times of late and was recently pipped at the post to miss out on his maiden win for the year.

You’d have to be on this one.

Mehmet

$85.00

HIT IT HARD

BY: TIENMEN

OUT OF: STUFF U

JOCKEY: CHRIS PRIEMS

HANDICAP: 11

C/SHIP POINTS: 48

WIN/PLACE 1 / 16

Some average results have brought this former high flier back to the field in the ratings but he has never been far away.  Uses more of the airspace above the course than most and that doesn’t mean he is a hurdler.  If he keeps his head down and the bit between his teeth, could pleasantly surprise.

Rated very highly by those in the know.

Trev

$70.00

 GRANDAGS

BY: FINGER TIPS

OUT OF: SCHEHERAZADE

JOCKEY: BEN AKDAG

HANDICAP: 15

C/SHIP POINTS: 34

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 7

Running with a slightly changed handicap and has been seen attending to his duties as a stud.  Went above and beyond the call of duty to get to a country track recently.  This stallion has some form and should do better.

Could be the quiet achiever.

Mehmet

$50.00

NORTHERN GENERAL

BY: GENERAL GRANT

OUT OF: MISS OHIO

JOCKEY: ROD GRANT

HANDICAP: 21

C/SHIP POINTS: 18

WIN/PLACE 1 / 5

The connections have been checking the stud-book carefully and so far have found no connection to either the Confederates or the Yankees.  The pedigree is good however and on his day can make a good showing.

A bit of a long shot but could give a good return.

Scratch

GROUNDED

BY: POLICEMAN

OUT OF: UNIFORM

JOCKEY: KAZIM AKDAG

HANDICAP:  7

C/SHIP POINTS: 53

WIN/PLACE: 2 / 11

This young colt is a bit of a tear-away and needs to learn some track manners but has shown plenty of potential to front the judges.

The owners are considering the use of blinkers to keep him on the straight and narrow.

Well worth an investment.

Zimmer

$111.00

ENIGMA

BY: PUZZLE SOLVER

OUT OF: MENSA

JOCKEY: MALCOLM ADEY HANDICAP:  26

C/SHIP POINTS: 13

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 4

Form has drifted a little through the current season but has shown ability to perform if the occasion warrants.  Possibly suffering from a minor maladey or maybe an excess of mirth.

Worth a flutter.

Zimmer

$31.00

ARCHBISHOP

BY: CARDINALS PLEASURE

OUT OF: NUNS DELIGHT

JOCKEY: LAURIE MANNIX

HANDICAP: 23

C/SHIP POINTS: 1

WIN/PLACE: 0 /1

Another stallion who sampled the delights of greener fields for a while but has made a comeback in recent weeks.  Possibly not a mud runner as the weather has not been kind and results have generally not impressed.  The single placing hints at a hidden danger.

Have a saver on this old war horse.

Brendon

$25.00

TECHNOCRAT

BY: CORRECT SWING

OUT OF: SWIVEL HIPS

JOCKEY: ALLAN DAVIES

HANDICAP: 22

C/SHIP POINTS:  0

WIN/PLACE: 0 / 0

This magnificent animal had been put out to pasture but the IT factor proved irresistible and he is now back in harness which interferes with his racing.  Very few showings and a lack of known form makes this one hard to pick.

Better value elsewhere.

Scratch

WESTERN UNION

BY: NORTHERN LIGHTS

OUT OF: SOUTHERN AURORA

JOCKEY: BILL EASTOE

HANDICAP: 10

C/SHIP POINTS: 53

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 14

This beast has been there or thereabouts throughout the season and has managed to maintain his handicap.  A recent return of a sparkle to his eyes means that he could mean business in this event.

Should be good value.

Blighty

$85.00

DAGS

BY: GOLDEN RAM

OUT OF: PRETTY EWE

JOCKEY: MEHMET AKDAG

HANDICAP: 12

C/SHIP POINTS: 48

WIN/PLACE: 2 / 13

This horse has slipped a bit in form from last season but has consistently been there-abouts at the end of the day.  Reported to be partial to a bit of Turkish Delight.  Plenty of potential to perform on the day.

Good each way bet.

Zimmer

$75.00

LICENSE 2 KILL .

BY: BOND

OUT OF: PUSSY GALORE

JOCKEY: MALCOLM FLEMING

HANDICAP: 19

C/SHIP POINTS: 26

WIN/PLACE: 3 / 1

The oldest horse in the race but is well weighted for his age.  Has a tendency to stray from the straight and narrow but can keep to the centre of the track when in form.  Did suffer an injury through the season which could explain the lack of results on the card.

Recent form says this is one to get on.

Scratch

CROW EATER

BY :RAVEN

OUTOF: MAGPIE LARK

JOCKEY: ANDREW BLIGHT

HANDICAP: 20

C/SHIP POINTS: 24

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 4

This is a bit of a dark horse which is not surprising given his breeding.  Hasn’t been the most prolific runner this season but has managed to retain his handicap and front the judges on occasion.  Sometimes a bit slow off the mark but always well aligned. 

A bit of a roughie that could pay dividends.

Scratch

DARK HORSE

BY: MORNING SHADE

OUT OF: SUNRISE

JOCKEY: KEN GRIST

HANDICAP: 17

C/SHIP POINTS: 39

WIN/PLACE: 3 / 5

Another horse that has been training away so the form is hard to gauge.  When he has fronted to this track, he has performed well and has one of the better win/place ratios in the field.

Should be good for a place at least.

Targe

$75.00

NOODLES

BY: FLOUR’N’EGGS

OUT OF: PASTA MACHINE

JOCKEY: STEPHEN BUTTERFIELD

HANDICAP: 9

C/SHIP POINTS: 50

WIN/PLACE: 3 / 13

Distracted by a young filly, this outstanding performer from last season has suffered a serious slump in form.  Recent outings have been curtailed by the change in season and he is considered a doubtful starter.

If he does front, an investment would be warranted.

Scratch

SHAKEY ISLES

BY : ALL BLACK

OUT OF: MISS ENZ

JOCKEY: BRENDON MITCHELL

HANDICAP: 10

C/SHIP POINTS: 17

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 5

This is a well-credentialed stallion that has been hampered by injury to a tendon that almost required that he be put down.  However, extensive veterinary care brought him back from the brink and recent form suggests that he is better than new.

A definite starter so speak to your bank manager.

Oliver

$85.00

CARPET BAGGER

BY: RUNNER

OUT OF: LONG PASSAGE

JOCKEY: RICHARD HALL

HANDICAP: 16

C/SHIP POINTS: 17

WIN/PLACE: 2 / 1

EMERGENCY

Another seasonal runner who might do better if he had one of his balls removed.  Showed good form during the winter season and if he is not a scratching would be well worth keeping an eye on.

Take him if he’s here.

Scratch

KIRRIBILLI

BY: THE LODGE

OUT OF : JOHN

JOCKEY: DAVID HOWARD

HANDICAP: 18

C/SHIP POINTS 20

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 4

Not very visible around the tracks this year but has shown some form in the country.  Whether he can handle the city courses is another question.  When he does run, he’s often been in the running.

If he doesn’t scratch, he must be a chance.

Mehmet

$80.00

MARS BAR

BY: TURKISH DELIGHT

OUT OF: SWEET TOOTH

JOCKEY: TREVOR JACKSON

HANDICAP: 25

C/SHIP POINTS: 19

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 4

This colt has been struggling with injury all year and has put in some brave performances. He’s a real stayer. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him at the gate.

Worth a deena or two each way.

Oliver

$25.00

STAGEHAND

BY:  ARENA

OUT OF:  MAIN EVENT

JOCKEY:  ED KLOPROGGE

HANDICAP: 14

C/SHIP POINTS: 44

WIN/PLACE: 3 / 6

This runner is a nag – you know what I mean?  Has been known to grandstand and flew the coop for a while but now seems to have settled down to roost.  Spreads himself around the tracks and could be a little light on for his form.  Has proved more than a match for his opposition in at least one event.

Making the bookies nervous.

Pepsi

$90.00

THE GENERAL

BY : LINCOLNS NEMESIS

OUT OF: GREY COAT

JOCKEY: DAMIEN LEE

HANDICAP: 8

C/SHIP POINTS: 68

WIN/PLACE: 3 /16

The results of his activities at stud have kept this runner away from the course for a while and he could be a doubtful starter.  Impressive form while on the track would make him an excellent bet if he does run.

Recommended.

Scratch

ARMPITS

BY: MCENROE'S CHOICE

OUT OF: PERFECT DEMEANOUR

JOCKEY: BOB MACDONALD

HANDICAP: 24

C/SHIP POINTS: 40

WINS: 0 PLACINGS: 12

Has shown the finishing record of Buffering – always the bridesmaid. Unlucky but consistent aged runner. Let’s hope the has the heart to recover from recent veterinary work. Emergency only.

Unlikely runner

Scratch

BOUNCER

BY: HARD ONE

OUT OF: THE PITCH

JOCKEY: ROD WHITE

HANDICAP: 17

C/SHIP POINTS: 32

WIN/PLACE:2 / 4

Another runner that hasn’t been seen at track-work for a while and seems to be a doubtful starter.  Form while not distracted elsewhere has been good and attention span might be improved by an orchidectomy.

If he nominates could be worth a flutter.

Scratch

DENNIS THE MENACE

BY: DAVID LAW

OUT OF: GLORIA HENRY

JOCKEY: DENNIS TIERNAN

HANDICAP: 16

C/SHIP POINTS 35

WIN/PLACE 2 / 7

This grey stallion has come up in the weights as the advantage of a late start to the previous season wore off.  Gets a bit flighty towards the end of winter when faced with the prospect of facing crowds of magpies.  With the nesting season over this runner could very well be on the come-back trail.

The bookies aren’t too fussed, so a punt could bring a good return.

Scratch