00

KIRRIBILLI

BY: THE LODGE

OUT OF : JOHN

JOCKEY: DAVID HOWARD

HANDICAP: 17

C/SHIP POINTS 0

WIN/PLACE: 0 / 0

With little evidence of training or form to go on, it seems unlikely that this is the event for this horse to have a hope in though he has been known to surprise and come up Trumps.

If he doesn’t scratch, he has a chance.

Nominated

00

WILDCAT

BY: OLD TOM

OUT OF: DELILAH

JOCKEY: PAUL JONES

HANDICAP: 29

C/SHIP POINTS 0

WIN/PLACE 0 / 0

One of the new horses in the field, this will be a maiden event for this runner.  Another nervous weighting for the handicapper.

Probably better value elsewhere but could pay a big dividend.

Nominated

00

OPEN STANCE

BY: TARZAN'S GRIP

OUT OF: BASEBALL

JOCKEY: TANER KEMAL

HANDICAP: 28

C/SHIP POINTS: 0

WIN/PLACE: 0 / 0

This colt seems to be pining for a Mediterranean island and hasn’t put in too many appearances at the track which goes some way to explaining the lack of hot goss.  Has shown potential in the past and another light weight.

Could easily surprise but don't pay too much.

Nominated

03

NORTHERN GENERAL

BY: GENERAL GRANT

OUT OF: MISS OHIO

JOCKEY: ROD GRANT

HANDICAP: 27

C/SHIP POINTS: 3

WIN/PLACE 0 / 2

The stud book for this steady old stager goes a long way back and has been heavily researched.  The findings give few hints as to his likely form but he is known to be able to stretch out on the fair way but he struggles a bit when the going gets close

An unlikely chance.

Nominated

05

SPIDER MAN

BY: REDBACK

OUT OF : DUNNY SEAT

JOCKEY: DALE WEBB

HANDICAP: 24

C/SHIP POINTS 5

WIN/PLACE: 0 / 1

This young colt has not been in training for long and the handicapper has gone lightly on him as a result.  If recent history is any guide, maidens have a habit of getting up early in their career so anything is possible after a creditable placing at his first start.

The lack of history to go on could make this one a real punt but the potential is obviously there.

Nominated

05

DENNIS THE MENACE

BY: DAVID LAW

OUT OF: GLORIA HENRY

JOCKEY: DENNIS TIERNAN

HANDICAP: 18

C/SHIP POINTS 5

WIN/PLACE 0 / 2

Winter and the Darklands interfere severely with the preparation of this venerable steed.  Has been known to arc up in certain company and gets distracted from the job in hand.

The connections are considering blinkers to settle him down but it is hard to see value here.

Scratched

08

STAGEHAND

BY:  ARENA

OUT OF:  MAIN EVENT

JOCKEY:  ED KLOPROGGE

HANDICAP: 12

C/SHIP POINTS: 8

WIN/PLACE: 0 / 3

Shingles and shoulder soreness put a damper on the prospects of this frisky nag earlier in the season.  Appropriate treatment and a couple of bouts of surgery combined with a new enthusiasm for the contest sees an almost daily training regime in place.

Though the connections complain about his weighting, recent form suggests that it is fair and he could be the one to watch for some good value.

Scratched

09

CROW EATER

BY :RAVEN

OUTOF: MAGPIE LARK

JOCKEY: ANDREW BLIGHT

HANDICAP: 20

C/SHIP POINTS: 9

WIN/PLACE: 0 / 5

Form of late has been a bit shaky and ranking in this season is well down on previous years and this is reflected in a lighter weight to carry.  Has made a comeback before today and could easily star again, given the chance to have his head.

A bit of a roughie.

Scratched

15

C.SHARP MINOR

BY: SHARP MAJOR

OUT OF: DISCORD

JOCKEY: CRAIG SHARP

HANDICAP: 15

C/SHIP POINTS : 15

WIN/PLACE 0 / 6

Some problems with the fetlock and the need to earn his oats has been a bit of a Snag for this feisty foal.  A change to the work-load promises to make training more available and effective and a big come-back is expected from the connections.  When he has showed at the track, has been able to hold his own and regularly places.

It could take a while for the new regime to take effect so it might be better to wait a while before taking the plunge.

Nominated

15

MARS BAR

BY: TURKISH DELIGHT

OUT OF: SWEET TOOTH

JOCKEY: TREVOR JACKSON

HANDICAP: 26

C/SHIP POINTS: 15

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 3

A recent celebration has shown no signs of quietening this venerable old stallion down.  Using a float on and around the track has reduced the frequency of training but this has been compensated by an improvement in performance.  The extra weight of a Medal is unlikely to affect and we haven’t heard the last of this one.

If the connections can afford the entry fee, this could be the one to watch.

Nominated

15

LITTLE DAG
BY: GOLDEN RAM
OUT OF: PRETTY EWE
JOCKEY: KAZIM AKDAG
HANDICAP:  9
C/SHIP POINTS: 15
WIN/PLACE: 0 / 3

This frisky colt has been having a ball of another sort in recent times and it seems that a filly has interfered with his training regime.  A recent return to training has yet to pay dividends but spectacular improvements are not unknown from time to time.

There’s likely to be some big bidders interested in this one so the odds might not reflect the value.

Nominated

18

BEER BARREL

BY: TWO FIRKINS

OUT OF: KILDERKIN

JOCKEY: JASON HOPKINS

HANDICAP: 20

C/SHIP POINTS: 18

WIN/PLACE: 1 /5

How many maidens does it take to change a light bulb?.  Just joking!  Another new-comer that might not yet have found its true weighting.  Has plenty of potential and could easily take the cake if not the prize.

The bidding is likely to be fierce so come with a full wallet.

Nominated

19

SMASHUP

BY: SPEEDSTER

OUT OF: CONTROL

JOCKEY: MATTHEW HUNT

HANDICAP: 9

C/SHIP POINTS:  19

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 5

A maiden who has been out of contention for a while but has shown that he can come back and contest.  Has plenty of potential as the weight and early success shows. 

If he can make it would definitely be worth a few hard earned dollars.

Nominated

20

PROPER CAR

BY: DAIMLER

OUT OF: MERCEDES

JOCKEY: JOE WAGENECHT

HANDICAP: 11

C/SHIP POINTS: 20

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 4

A maiden for this event but this horse has shown that he can Yank it with the best of them.  Rumoured to be auditioning for spaghetti westerns in the hope of getting Clint on his back and has been to bid No Trumps.  Is known to be keen to add to his trophy cabinet and will be trying all out in this one.

This is horse that will give his all and will be well worth the investment.

Nominated

22

CUP WINNER
BY: KING CHARLES
OUT OF: RED WINE
JOCKEY: BRENT ROWLEY
HANDICAP: 16
C/SHIP POINTS: 22
WIN/PLACE: 2 / 4

Yet another maiden for this event.  Has good connections with the club management but he is no Krispy Kreme and has shown that he can mix it with the best.  A good collection of wins and places from very few starts so has great potential to steal this one

If you're not in it, you can't win it.

Nominated

23

BUSH RANGER

BY: YOUNG NED

OUT OF: THE CLINK

JOCKEY: STEPHEN KELLY

HANDICAP: 10

C/SHIP POINTS: 23

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 7

Plenty of evidence that this horse can succeed when he gets the chance to run.  It’s been a while since he has graced the track with his presence and so he is a bit of an unknown quantity.  If he does make it to the starting gate the odds could be good.

A gambling man would be prepared to have a go at this one.

Nominated

25

BOUNCER

BY: HARD ONE

OUT OF: THE PITCH

JOCKEY: ROD WHITE

HANDICAP: 16

C/SHIP POINTS: 25

WIN/PLACE:0 / 7

Has shown that he can adapt quite readily to changing rules and equipment but seems to favour other types of racing.  Is well regarded for putting it out there.

Unlikely starter but if he did he could surprise.

Scratched

25

 WAITING LIST
BY: HOSPITAL
OUT OF: BEDS
JOCKEY: DENNIS WARD
HANDICAP: 25
C/SHIP POINTS: 24
WIN/PLACE: 1 / 6

Not a lot of form with track appearances thin on the ground but when he does show he obviously means to run.  Definitely a dark horse and will need to be watched on his day

Could go cheaply and make a great return.

Nominated

29

THE GENERAL

BY : LINCOLNS NEMESIS

OUT OF: GREY COAT

JOCKEY: DAMIEN LEE

HANDICAP: 6

C/SHIP POINTS: 29

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 5

The connections expected to be able to put in a better showing this season but unexpected changes to the calendar have made track-work difficult to arrange.  The occasional attendances have resulted in a remarkably good strike rate and a dividend paying result is a very likely outcome of any appearance

Might not be a starter although the connections have not advised.

Nominated

30

SOMETIME

BY: IF I CAN

OUT OF: MAYBE I WILL

JOCKEY: ANDREW PETRICOLA

HANDICAP: 4

C/SHIP POINTS: 30

WIN/PLACE: 0 / 9

Attendance at the track has been down a little of late and this has resulted in an occasional lack of form.  Some wear and tear in the joints is also taking a toll but the vets have a treatment regime in place that seems to be effective provided that the exercise regime is maintained.  Any effects on the running are hard to pick but could be telling in the longer events.

It always pays to back a champion.

Nominated

31

LICENSE 2 KILL .

BY: BOND

OUT OF: PUSSY GALORE

JOCKEY: MALCOLM FLEMING

HANDICAP: 20

C/SHIP POINTS: 31

WIN/PLACE: 2 / 6

This old stager has been having a bit of trouble lasting the distance in recent times but he is still more than capable of performing well particularly when there is a float available.  Doesn’t like a wet track and that interferes with winter training but that should pose no problems in this event.

A win by this horse would be very popular indeed.

Scratched

35

SIDE CUTTER

BY: BUNNINGS

OUT OF: STOCK

JOCKEY: GEORGE TENAGLIA

HANDICAP: 15

C/SHIP POINTS 35

WIN/PLACE 3 / 3

Attendance at track work is erratic to say the least.  However, return on investment to the connections has been spectacular to say the least.  If his strike rate was matched by his attendance the rest of the field would be left in the dust.

On the form available you would be mad to pass this one up if he did front the starter.

Doubtful

37

CREWCUT

BY: HAIRDRESSER

OUT OF: PINOT NOIR

JOCKEY: CHRIS VINECOMBE

HANDICAP: 8

C/SHIP POINTS 37

WIN/PLACE 3 / 7

Caring for a new foal has had an effect on the standing of the young colt by keeping him away from training and by disturbing his rest periods.  Despite these interferences, he has shown that he can still perform at a high level and he should be right up there in the race to the line

Money should be no object to get hold of this one.

Nominated

38

BAGPIPE CHANTER

BY: ROCKY PEAK

OUT OF: HIGHLAND HOME

JOCKEY: CRAIG CAMERON

HANDICAP: 10

C/SHIP POINTS 38

WIN/PLACE 1 / 11

This horse has been a regular on the track and has showed a good return of podium placements throughout the year.  Can run a country mile and can also perform when the going gets close.  Recently showed a tendency to pull up short but this is likely to be only an aberration

This could easily be the value horse in the field and well worth an investment.

Nominated

40

OFF PISTE
BY: SLIPPERY SLOPE
OUT OF: CROSSCOUNTRY
JOCKEY: STEFAN BELEVSKI
HANDICAP: 5
C/SHIP POINTS: 40
WIN/PLACE: 2 / 8

This young colt has made a patchy showing at training this year but has made a pretty impressive showing although his long and hard running can upset the rest of the field.  He has managed to gather quite an impressive nest-egg in recent times.  Will provide advice on the market for a fee but not this one. 

A boost to the super fund is on the cards if you buy into this one.

40

NOODLES
BY: FLOUR’N’EGGS
OUT OF: PASTA MACHINE
JOCKEY: STEPHEN BUTTERFIELD
HANDICAP: 10

C/SHIP POINTS: 40

WIN/PLACE: 2 / 11

This colt has been known to keep his Tindr dry and swipes right much more often than he swipes left.  The same can’t be said for his performance on the track but he has been known to pig-root occasionally when the running is not to his liking.

Would do better if he followed the policy of soft and long.  Well worth a punt.

Nominated

43

THE HUSTLER

BY: TIENMIN

OUT OF: STUFFU

JOCKEY: ROBERT PRIEMS

HANDICAP: 16

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS: 43

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 11

Here is a horse that seems to like to run second though the evidence would suggest that he is more comfortable in the winner’s circle.  Has missed a few meetings this year but a recent pick up in the training intensity has yet to pay dividends,

Able to surprise on the day and should not be overlooked.

Nominated

45

WOODCHIP

BY: STRONG BOUGH

OUT OF: PLANTATION FOREST

JOCKEY: HARRY BOUGHEN

HANDICAP: 21

C/SHIP POINTS: 45

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 14

This veteran continues to perplex.  Able to run well in the straight but tends to get tangled up when the going gets close.  As a result the winnings have been thin on the ground but the placings continue to flow.

On form, there would be chance for a place at least.

Nominated

45

ODDS ON

BY: THE PUNTER

OUT OF: TWO FLIES

JOCKEY: GORDON HILL

HANDICAP: 12

C/SHIP POINTS: 45

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 14

The connections of this nag will have to watch themselves or be up on charges of substitution if recent colouring of the forelock comes to the attention of the stewards.  Of course, orange is the new black but definitely not an improvement on the salt and pepper look that was sported previously.  Wins have been thin on the ground this year but this could be just a plot to hose down speculation of handicap whispering

There’ll be no flies on you if you buy him and he wins.

Nominated

47

ROUGH RUNNER

BY: STRATE LINE

OUT OF: CHECK THE CARD

JOCKEY: TARGE MIFSUD

HANDICAP : 17

C/SHIP POINTS: 47

WIN/PLACE: 4 / 9.

The long and short of it is that this is one of the most reliable track workers around though he has missed a few sessions visiting tracks in other parts of the country.  Is regularly called upon to stand up and be counted and very often does so.  The win/place ratio is good and this would have to stand a good chance.

If you see him behind the barrier, you’re probably standing too close.  Buy, buy, buy!

Nominated

48

THE ADMAN

BY: COMMERCIAL

OUT OF: MAJOR EVENT

JOCKEY: SIMON POWELL

HANDICAP: 13

C/SHIP POINTS: 48

WIN/PLACE: 3 / 11

There’s a new twitch in this horse’s whiskers as if winning were new-mown hay.  An increased training schedule, both on and off the track seems to be paying dividends big-time although this has also resulted in some extra weight to carry.  If his enthusiasm gets away from him, the handicapper could win at the end of the day.

Still a great chance if he can keep his eye on the prize..

Nominated

49

DAGS
BY: GOLDEN RAM
OUT OF: PRETTY EWE
JOCKEY: MEHMET AKDAG
HANDICAP: 10
C/SHIP POINTS: 49
WIN/PLACE: 0 / 20

It’s been a long couple of years for this good looking colt.  Try as he might, he has not been able to front the judges other than as a place-getter all year.  So, you would have to say that it is about time that the drought was broken and the king of swing made it to the top of the charts.

The punters will be singing his praises if the odds are favourable.

Nominated

49

ARMPITS

BY: MCENROE'S CHOICE
OUT OF: PERFECT DEMEANOUR

JOCKEY: BOB MACDONALD

HANDICAP: 26

C/SHIP POINTS: 49

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 16

The high proportion of placings this year have been kind to the handicap and that keeps this old stager in the running.  Occasionally runs a bit wide and loses the plot but has been a bit more stable this year and the results show it.

If the connections keep the blinkers on he could very well take the cake.

Nominated

51

SHAFTED

BY: ATTITUDE

OUT OF: HUMBLE PIE

JOCKEY: JOHN QUINLAN

HANDICAP: 15

C/SHIP POINTS: 51

WIN/PLACE: 3 / 11

This colt has been on again, off again all year but has proved to be a match for all comers when it really counts.  Plenty of placings suggests that he is never far away though this time he will be.

Maybe next year.

Scratched

52

FAT BOY SLIM

BY: MR SQUIGGLE

OUT OF: MISS PIGGY

JOCKEY: RYAN PORKER

HANDICAP: 10

C/SHIP POINTS 52

WIN/PLACE 3 / 12

One of the top attenders at the track this season.  Needs to work harder to convert lower placings into higher and wins if he is going to top the table. 

A capable performer who will repay a wise investment.

Nominated

63

A TOUCH OF BLARNEY

BY :IRISH EYES

OUT OF :SWEET COLLEEN

JOCKEY: STEPHEN O'SULLIVAN

HANDICAP: 11

C/SHIP POINTS: 63

WIN/PLACE: 2 / 17

This reliable steed has been copping it sweet in recent times and has been rewarded with a good collection of catches.  If the running can be a bit more uniform then this one will be hard to nab on any day.  If he asks for a deep breath you’d be well advised to oblige.

It would be commission of a sin to miss out on this one.

Nominated

74

HIT IT HARD

BY: TIENMEN

OUT OF: STUFF U

JOCKEY: CHRIS PRIEMS

HANDICAP: 10

C/SHIP POINTS: 74

WIN/PLACE  3 / 18

You would have to say that the new tack should be bedded in by this.  The connections are quietly confident that there are still benefits to be gained although the works ‘shafted’ and ‘a bit stiff’ have been used in this context.  Early season form that raised hopes of a top three finish seems to have faded and preparations are now in place for next season

Will be rearing to go and get the season off to a good start.  A proven performer, not to be passed up

Nominated

84

LOW MARKER
BY: GOOD SWING
OUT OF: TALENT
JOCKEY: MICHAEL GOURLAY
HANDICAP:  3
C/SHIP POINTS: 84
WIN/PLACE: 4 / 19

Last season’s injuries seem to have healed to perfection although one recently threatened to resurface after a footwork exercise.  There is a definite gleam in the eye of this sprinter that has surged through the field in recent times.  The form is excellent and this shows in the high returns on investment.

If this one doesn’t win, it’s hard to say who will.

Nominated

87

SHAKEY ISLES

BY : ALL BLACK

OUT OF: MISS ENZ

JOCKEY: BRENDON MITCHELL

HANDICAP: 9

C/SHIP POINTS: 87

WIN/PLACE: 5 / 19

Just like his home turf, things have gotten a bit shaky recently for this horse from across the ditch.  But, if past performance is any guide, he is more than capable of making it back to the winning circle.  A slow and methodical approach has been shown to pay dividends in the past, regardless of pressure from the rest of the field.

You might need a syndicate to afford this one as he’s bound to be in high demand.

Nominated

90

WESTERN UNION

BY: NORTHERN LIGHTS

OUT OF: SOUTHERN AURORA

JOCKEY: BILL EASTOE

HANDICAP: 9

C/SHIP POINTS: 90

WIN/PLACE: 4 / 18

This Beast of a horse has been a steady performer all year.  A couple of rests have done him no harm as the connections kept him in training during the breaks.  Runs the course very straight and true although his balls are sometimes rather weather beaten.  This seems not to affect his performance.

This would have to be the favourite and competition to get on board will be fierce so be prepared to fight for it.

Nominated