94

low marker

BY: good swing

OUT OF : talent

JOCKEY: Michael Gourlay

HANDICAP: 2  RANGE 4.4 - 1.1

GAMES: 37  STRIKE RATE: 2.54

WIN/PLACE: 6 - 19

Good attendance at training, and an excellent strike rate suggests that this horse will be hard to beat in any event. But, there is evidence of some problems with self-control that can lead to sub-standard performace. The tanties are usually short-lived as reason and talent prevail.

You'll need a few talents of silver to buy this one but the dividend will be worth it.

Nominated

82

woodchip

BY: strong bough

OUT OF : plantation forest

JOCKEY: Harry Boughen

HANDICAP: 18  RANGE 21.7 - 17.0

GAMES: 37  STRIKE RATE: 2.22

WIN/PLACE: 3 - 18

A very edgy performer when it comes to putting a finish to it. A regular competitor who recently took on a new trainer and some of the extra sessions around the course are showing signs of paying dividends. A high proportion of placings and a relatively high strike rate suggest that a Group 1 win is well overdue.

Better to be on the band-wagon than under it.

Nominated

72

noodles

BY: flour'n'eggs

OUT OF : pasta machine

JOCKEY: Stephen Butterfield

HANDICAP: 12  RANGE 12.2 - 8.4

GAMES: 43  STRIKE RATE: 1.67

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 20

Adverse reactions to items of tack have prompted the connections to consider the use of a tongue-tie to reduce interference to other horses. Is easily distracted by mobile technology and this could explain the drift in the weightings despite regular attendance at the track. If he can perform to the best of his ability, few will catch him.

Don't die wondering.

Nominated

61

armpits

BY: mcenroe's choice

OUT OF : perfect demeanour

JOCKEY: Bob McDonald

HANDICAP: 25  RANGE 28.0 - 23.3

GAMES: 29  STRIKE RATE: 2.1

WIN/PLACE: 3 - 15

An unconventional runner with a pretty impressive strike rate from a relatively small number of appearances. Luck's a fortune but this old timer will have none of it. Plenty of good placings has kept the handicap in mid-range and a break out in form is on the cards.

Be like the farmer and take the wife out with the winnings.

Nominated

56

western union

BY: northern lights

OUT OF : southern aurora

JOCKEY: Bill Eastoe

HANDICAP: 9  RANGE 11.4 - 8.6

GAMES: 32  STRIKE RATE: 1.75

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 12

This Beast does not have two backs. Otherwise there would need to be a second jockey which would be too much to bear. The bare truth of it is that there has been a bit of white-anting going on and this has served to distract from the main game. Now that the threat has been exterminated, there mite be a chance ter shine.

Well down on last year's performance but no reason to avoid.

Nominated

55

shakey isles

BY: all black

OUT OF : miss enz

JOCKEY: Brendon Mitchell

HANDICAP: 11  RANGE 11.0 - 9.3

GAMES: 31  STRIKE RATE: 1.77

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 15

While well short of the leading performer for the year this horse from across the ditch is no slouch. He has been described as a laser bugger, and not for his tendency to stay in bed if the weather doesn't look promising. The weighting is right if he can hit his straps.

Bound to be better than sex - dollars, that is.

Nominated

55

hit it hard

BY: tienmen

OUT OF : stuff u

JOCKEY: Chris Priems

HANDICAP: 12  RANGE 13.3 - 8.7

GAMES: 39  STRIKE RATE: 1.41

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 18

The connections of this (not quite so) old stayer recommended a Daly dose of accoutrement. The results were spectacular to say the least both in appearance and performance with an immediate step up to the winner's circle for the first time this season in a Group 2 event. This might just be the tonic needed to boost performance or to scare off the rest of the field. Still prefers the clockwise running.

Put on your sunglasses and dig deep.

Nominated

55

beer barrel

BY: two firkins

OUT OF : kilderkin

JOCKEY: Jason Hopkins

HANDICAP: 15  RANGE 21.3 - 14.7

GAMES: 31  STRIKE RATE: 1.77

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 15

This young stallion puts in extra hours at the course away from prying eyes due to a lop-sided work schedule. He is in the lower quartile of his handicap range and so would have to pull out all stops to take this one out. A goodly total of placings and a respectable strike rate suggest that he could very well be ready to strike.

The interest is likely to be high so come with plenty of the folding.

Nominated

54

rough runner

BY: strate line

OUT OF : check the card

JOCKEY: Targe Mifsud

HANDICAP: 18  RANGE 20.9 - 15.4

GAMES: 41  STRIKE RATE: 1.32

WIN/PLACE: 3 - 16

A time spent on agistment interstate seems to have re-invigorated this stayer and given him the bang needed, if not the buck. Before the rest, one win and a string of lowly placings put this horse at a disadvantage when you look at the stats although recent wins have redressed the balance somewhat. But don't be fooled, a gun barrel might look straight but it is twisted inside and there is every chance that this one could surprise.

Don't sell him short!!.

Nominated

54

spiderman

BY: redback

OUT OF : dunny seat

JOCKEY: Dale Webb

HANDICAP: 23  RANGE 25.7 - 20.8

GAMES: 23  STRIKE RATE: 2.35

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 11

This young colt has some runs on the board but he is towards the worst end of his handicap range. He can obviously handle the pace with one of the higher strike rates in the field.

Has raced better than the handicap suggests and one of the better value bets in the field.

Scratched

51

odds on

BY: the punter

OUT OF : two flies

JOCKEY: Gordon Hill

HANDICAP: 13  RANGE 13.5 - 8.8

GAMES: 35  STRIKE RATE: 1.46

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 13

Another drifter in the weightings this year but that hasn't stopped him getting some runs on the board. There has always been a bit of a fire in his belly but those embers seem to be dying and he will likely be a bit more retiring in future. The connections hope that the new paddock will perk up his game no end particularly if he is given free rein.

The odds on this will be short so wear your pants with deep pockets.

Nominated

50

mild mannered reporter

BY: old crock

OUT OF : cape york

JOCKEY: Matt Nicholls

HANDICAP: 16  RANGE 26.4 - 16.1

GAMES: 17  STRIKE RATE: 2.94

WIN/PLACE: 3 - 8

This maiden runner arrived at the track after a long break in the long paddock but there were rumours of strong performances in the past. Early indications were that the rumours were just that, but, after a settling down period, this colt began to find his stride and has racked up a very impressive strike-rate and a recent Group 1 win has him placed at the bottom of his handicap range.

The question to be answered, is there more petrol in the tank? A brave man will give it a whirl.

Nominated

57

sometime

BY: if i can

OUT OF : maybe i will

JOCKEY: Andrew Petricola

HANDICAP: 5  RANGE 5.1 - 2.7

GAMES: 28  STRIKE RATE: 2.04

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 16

Another half-timer who has been known to attend two tracks in one day, the second one with real horses. Now getting into a very favourable handicap range and with the know-how to win there is every chance that there will be an addition to the trophy cabinet.

This horse could be the gift that keeps on giving.

Nominated

46

fat boy slim

BY: mr squiggle

OUT OF : miss piggy

JOCKEY: Ryan Porker

HANDICAP: 13  RANGE 15.1 - 10.5

GAMES: 39  STRIKE RATE: 1.18

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 13

Pickings have been slim for this finely built colt this year though he has been thereabouts. Can also be distracted by mobile equipment. If he can regain some of the form of a couple of seasons back in a hurry there will be no holding him and the result will be a lay down misere. The stats give no real guide to his potential provided that he keeps his tinder dry.

The wise man knows a good bet when he sees it.

Nominated

45

the adman

BY: commercial

OUT OF : major event

JOCKEY: Simon Powell

HANDICAP: 13  RANGE 15.0 - 12.6

GAMES: 29  STRIKE RATE: 1.55

WIN/PLACE: 3 - 8

Although he's not a cart-horse, this nag sees a lot of gigs. Some fresh eyes on the training track has paid dividends and a few wins means that the handicap is not as favourable as it might be and a recent break in training could go either way for his chances. Hopefully he won't make an exhibition of himself. A keen competitor that is likely to be well in the running.

Don't duck when the bidding starts.

Nominated

44

shafted

BY: attitude

OUT OF : humble pie

JOCKEY: John Quinlan

HANDICAP: 15  RANGE 15.4 - 13.0

GAMES: 25  STRIKE RATE: 1.76

WIN/PLACE: 3 - 8

Another punctuated season for this colt with the connections out of town attending to business and family matters of great import. Greater responsibility around the course has helprd to distract this flighty beast. Despite this, the winner's circle is not unknown and this event offers a very good chance to get the new season off to a flying start.

It might not be strictly legal, but buy him anyway.

Nominated

44

waiting list

BY: hospital

OUT OF : beds

JOCKEY: Dennis Ward

HANDICAP: 21  RANGE 25.2 - 20.3

GAMES: 22  STRIKE RATE: 2

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 11

Another horse that puts in the time away from regular training days and the extra work has paid some dividends. The handicap is a bit on the unfavourable side but the strike rate remains quite good. Overseas travel and stable rearrangements might prevent an appearance.

Be like the butter fly and make a flutter buy.

Scratched

42

a touch of blarney

BY: irish eyes

OUT OF : sweet colleen

JOCKEY: Stephen O'Sullivan

HANDICAP: 12  RANGE 13.5 - 9.4

GAMES: 34  STRIKE RATE: 1.24

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 10

A recent run in with a razor has left this stallion struggling both on and off the course. Whether he can get back into the swing of things in time for acceptances remains to be seen. But, if you don't spot him first, it will be a fair cop. The handicap is at the favourable end of the range and if he gets to the barrier, watch out.

It will be hard graft and no corruption on this one.

Nominated

41

stagehand

BY: arena

OUT OF : main event

JOCKEY: Ed Kloprogge

HANDICAP: 12  RANGE 11.8 - 9.4

GAMES: 26  STRIKE RATE: 1.58

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 7

Never look a gift horse in the mouth, the saying goes. Wise words for this old stayer as the condition of the teeth will be no indication of age or health. The connections have spared no expense in preparing this runner for the long haul and with a generous looking handicap the wins could keep adding up.

There' s bound to some support for this one so bid early and bid big.

Scratched

41

cup winner

BY: king charles

OUT OF : red wine

JOCKEY: Brent Rowley

HANDICAP: 11  RANGE 17.4 - 10.9

GAMES: 15  STRIKE RATE: 2.73

WIN/PLACE: 3 - 6

Recently beaten in a photo-finish this young colt has teamed up with a filly and will be adjusting to life as part of a new and illustrious stable. Weighted at the very bottom of his handicap range means that there will need to be continued improvement or a herculean effort to stay in the running. Hopefully the new stable mate will not prove too distracting.

This has a good chance to be the winner and the smart money won't miss out.

Scratched

40

the hustler

BY: tienmen

OUT OF : stuff u

JOCKEY: Robert Priems

HANDICAP: 15  RANGE 17.0 - 12.2

GAMES: 30  STRIKE RATE: 1.33

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 7

In a hustle, you have to strike while the iron is hot. And this is a horse that knows hot irons (and woods if it comes to that). His brand is sometimes 'hit and hope' but remarkably it very often comes off. Mostly in the middle of the field but a couple of wins add some shine.

Like a mirror, well worth a look into.

Nominated

34

proper car

BY: daimler

OUT OF : mercedes

JOCKEY: Joe Wagenecht

HANDICAP: 12  RANGE 11.9 - 9.5

GAMES: 20  STRIKE RATE: 1.7

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 7

New found responsibilities at the home stable has been no bar to the fine specimen getting to the course for training. The new colt, while not exactly at heel yet, is showing a keen interest and could soon be showing the sire a thing or two. The handicap is at the favourable end of the range and with a couple of wins on the board it could easily be time.

Expect keen interest when this one comes up for bids.

Nominated

33

technocrat

BY: correct swing

OUT OF : swivel hips

JOCKEY: Allan Davies

HANDICAP: 23  RANGE 23.1 - 19.4

GAMES: 21  STRIKE RATE: 1.57

WIN/PLACE: 3 - 4

This old waler is on the come-back trail and struck gold on one of his early appearances causing some to question the weighting that he carried at the time. But he has operated within a fairly narrow range and has posted some more wins and placings and so he is probably pretty fairly weighted.

Like the Thunderbirds, this one is GO!.

Nominated

33

bagpipe chanter

BY: rocky peak

OUT OF : highland home

JOCKEY: Craig Cameron

HANDICAP: 10  RANGE 10.4 - 8.0

GAMES: 21  STRIKE RATE: 1.57

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 9

Attendance at training has been down a bit this season and this probably shows in the form and the weightings. The range of handicaps shows there is great potential for this horse to out-perform and the odds are likely to be quite short.

Definite value bet.

Nominated

25

the general

BY: lincolns nemesis

OUT OF : grey coat

JOCKEY: Damien Lee

HANDICAP: 6  RANGE 6.8 - 4.7

GAMES: 15  STRIKE RATE: 1.67

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 7

One of the most favourable handicaps that this stallion has seen for some time augurs well for a great performance. Has a long history of winning and knows how to do it so he shouldn't be written off lightly. The season could very well be favourable for an appearance.

The big guns will be firing for this one so you had better come well armed.

Nominated

24

off piste

BY: slippery slope

OUT OF : crosscountry

JOCKEY: Stefan Belevski

HANDICAP: 5  RANGE 6.5 - 5.2

GAMES: 15  STRIKE RATE: 1.6

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 6

Lack of experience on this course proves no bar to how far and how fast this young colt can run. Recently streeted the field in a Group 3 event and could easily star in this Group 1 event. Has been known to jump at the barrier and over-step the mark but can recover from an unfavourable draw.

Competition will be hot for this one so check with the bank manager before-hand.

Nominated

24

northern general

BY: general grant

OUT OF : miss ohio

JOCKEY: Rod Grant

HANDICAP: 26  RANGE 26.4 - 22.2

GAMES: 18  STRIKE RATE: 1.33

WIN/PLACE: 3 - 0

A series of visits to the vet and interstate meetings have kept the venerable old work-horse off the track. Has returned to training recently with a new trainer who has made some changes for the close running. Perhaps a bit early for the changes to be effective but watch out if the method clicks as the win place ratio is spectacular.

A sentimental bet.

Scratched

18

smashup

BY: speedster

OUT OF : control

JOCKEY: Matt Hunt

HANDICAP: 10  RANGE 10.1 - 7.9

GAMES: 19  STRIKE RATE: 0.95

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 5

Form has taken a bit of a slump this year, possibly brought on by the loss of his favourite blanket to a younger colt. But he has managed a win this year and a smattering of places has kept the owners interested. If he doesn't get a call out, he'll be there with knobs on.

Has shown he can win.

Scratched

17

dags

BY: golden ram

OUT OF : pretty ewe

JOCKEY: Mehmet Akdag

HANDICAP: 10  RANGE 10.4 - 8.5

GAMES: 14  STRIKE RATE: 1.21

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 4

One of the more unconventional runners in the field but you don't have to post pictures on Instagram. It's results that count and after a long trot out of the winner's circle, this year saw the big break-through that could augur well for things to come.

The punters will be fleecing the bookies if this fellow butts his way through the field.

Nominated

17

crow eater

BY: raven

OUT OF : magpie lark

JOCKEY: Andrew Blight

HANDICAP: 25  RANGE 25.0 - 20.4

GAMES: 29  STRIKE RATE: 0.59

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 12

Attendance at training has been a bit erratic and the form has never been quite good enough to score a win though placings have been reasonably regular. The handicap is probably fair and if a bit of form returns there could easily be a big upset with this one.

The connections are quiet and that could be an ominous sign.

Scratched

17

latin lover

BY: evil wink

OUT OF : balmy nights

JOCKEY: Keith Delzoppo

HANDICAP: 24  RANGE 23.9 - 19.2

GAMES: 24  STRIKE RATE: 0.71

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 6

With the weather warming up there is a new glint in this old war-horse's eye and he could easily surprise. He is weighted at the best end of his handicap range and has shown some good running in the past. The lack of wins this year is not indicative and a faster track should suit.

A bit of a roughie but not to be ignored.

Nominated

12

mars bar

BY: turkish delight

OUT OF : sweet tooth

JOCKEY: Trevor Jackson

HANDICAP: 30  RANGE 30.2 - 26.3

GAMES: 19  STRIKE RATE: 0.63

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 4

The owners paid big money to send this horse overseas but he did not make any appearances on the track. Rumours that there were plans to feed him to the lions were hotly denied. Since returning, veterinary problems have arisen again and a start might be doubtful.

Has managed a medal or two so has the potential to surprise.

Scratched

11

crewcut

BY: hairdresser

OUT OF : pinot noir

JOCKEY: Chris Vinecombe

HANDICAP: 8  RANGE 8.7 - 7.6

GAMES: 9  STRIKE RATE: 1.22

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 1

Track work has been patchy since the last meeting and so the weighting is relatively unchanged. The strike rate does not impress but the low numbers make this an unreliable guide.

Great potential here if he can get to the track so don't miss out by being a tightwad.

Scratched

6

bouncer

BY: hard one

OUT OF : the pitch

JOCKEY: Rodney White

HANDICAP: 18  RANGE 17.8 - 16.4

GAMES: 9  STRIKE RATE: 0.67

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 2

If he had a neck he would probably crick it. Not much form to go by and this is not the time of year that favours this all-rounder getting out on the track. Seems to be more comfortable running on pitch than on turf.

Could be a cheap buy and worth a punt.

Scratched

5

c sharp minor

BY: sharp major

OUT OF : discord

JOCKEY: Craig Sharp

HANDICAP: 15  RANGE 15.2 - 14.8

GAMES: 3  STRIKE RATE: 1.67

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 2

An enthusiastic runner when he does make it to the track but the connections keep him well harnessed for other duties. Is well known to be a gutsy performer and a nomination would show that he means business.

Worth a flutter if he shows up on the day.

Scratched

3

dennis the menace

BY: david law

OUT OF : gloria henry

JOCKEY: Dennis Tiernan

HANDICAP: 19  RANGE 19.2 - 18.1

GAMES: 10  STRIKE RATE: 0.3

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 2

Low attendance at training does not help the performance of this underperformer. Has suffered badly in recent times from erratic running and straying from the main pack and onto adjacent tracks. Can run a country mile and if the connections can fit in a few more training sessions, he could easily be the one to surprise.

You'll be dark if he lands it and you're not on board.

Scratched

3

bush ranger

BY: young ned

OUT OF : the clink

JOCKEY: Stephen Kelly

HANDICAP: 11  RANGE 11.1 - 10.1

GAMES: 6  STRIKE RATE: 0.5

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 1

Very few runs on the board this year so the form is hard to judge. The handicap has drifted to more favourable territory but it might not be enough to swing the balance.

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

Scratched

0

little dag

BY: golden ram

OUT OF : pretty ewe

JOCKEY: Kazim Akdag

HANDICAP: 8  RANGE 8.2 - 7.6

GAMES: 4  STRIKE RATE: 0

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 0

Plenty of potential to be had here but lack of recent form and training on the track makes prediction difficult. A late nomination could lead to a stewards enquiry.

Seems like an unlikely starter.

Scratched

0

licence 2 kill

BY: bond

OUT OF : pussy galore

JOCKEY: Malcolm Fleming

HANDICAP: 20  RANGE - - -

GAMES: 0  STRIKE RATE: 0

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 0

A series of veterinary problems has seen L2K out of the running for the whole season. The connections are hopeful that a come-back to full racing will be possible and some light training has started in recent times.

A return to racing would please the punters no end.

Scratched

0

pontificate

BY: holy father

OUT OF : order

JOCKEY: Michael Papa

HANDICAP: 30  RANGE - - -

GAMES: 0  STRIKE RATE: 0

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 0

Another young colt with very few runs on the board. Has been in the hands of the vet and is unlikely to be competitive.

An unlikely starter.

Scratched

0

krispy's kreme

BY: hit it hard

OUT OF : bounds

JOCKEY: Jake Priems

HANDICAP: 27  RANGE 27.2 - 26.3

GAMES: 4  STRIKE RATE: 0

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 0

This young colt comes with good credentials although the sire does prefer the clockwise running but whether the tendency is genetic remains to be seen. Has been rarely seen on the training track since being registered so that form is a little hard to gauge. Lack of experience at the course would not suggest much value at this stage.

Could be worth a very long shot but better value probably lies elsewhere.

Scratched

0

mulligan

BY: another shot

OUT OF : miss hit

JOCKEY: David Mullenger

HANDICAP: 3  RANGE 3.2 - 3.2

GAMES: 1  STRIKE RATE: 0

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 0

The handicap indicates significant potential but a long break from training could easily weigh this one down. The connections have indicated that, while still interested, a return to the track could be a little way off.

Doubtful starter.

Scratched