82

shakey isles

BY: all black

OUT OF : miss enz

JOCKEY: Brendon Mitchell

HANDICAP: 10  RANGE 11.7 - 8.1

GAMES: 30  STRIKE RATE: 2.73

WIN/PLACE: 3 - 22

A very steady performer with an impressive strike rate and a podium turn out of some 80%. The connections have some concerns about chipping and have refused to run with blinkers. Expect a strong performance in any event.

The money will be good, even if tightly folded, when the bidding finally ends.

Nominated

81

low marker

BY: good swing

OUT OF : talent

JOCKEY: Michael Gourlay

HANDICAP: 4  RANGE 5.9 - 3.8

GAMES: 23  STRIKE RATE: 3.52

WIN/PLACE: 5 - 17

You would have to be pretty Green to bypass this fine stallion. With a podium turn out of near enough to 90% and a strike rate at the top of the table, it is hard to see him being bettered despite carrying his maximum weight for the year.

You deserve a kick in the gourlays if you miss out on buying him.

Scratched

69

bagpipe chanter

BY: rocky peak

OUT OF : highland home

JOCKEY: Craig Cameron

HANDICAP: 9  RANGE 9.6 - 6.9

GAMES: 31  STRIKE RATE: 2.23

WIN/PLACE: 3 - 17

If you are looking for a reliable performer, you would have to go a fair way to go past this one. Can be relied upon to steer straight down the course on most occasions. Pretty lightly weighted and likely to be excellent value in this event.

Be sure to pack your sporran with the folding stuff to be in with a chance to own this one.

Nominated

63

fat boy slim

BY: mr squiggle

OUT OF : miss piggy

JOCKEY: Ryan Porker

HANDICAP: 8  RANGE 10.1 - 5.7

GAMES: 30  STRIKE RATE: 2.1

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 16

Although weighted in the mid-range, the connections would like to see things lighten up. However, on his day he can out-run the best of them and the connections can whistle into the wind as far as the handicapper is concerned.

Has brought top dollar in the past, and could very easily do so again this year.

Nominated

43

woodchip

BY: strong bough

OUT OF : plantation forest

JOCKEY: Harry Boughen

HANDICAP: 18  RANGE 18.4 - 14.9

GAMES: 33  STRIKE RATE: 1.3

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 13

Regular running and diligent trackwork have seen this old-timer carrying a lot more weight than in recent years, and this could be telling. However, there is no telling whether a return to form is just around the corner. Yet to win a Group 1 event, but, statistically, something is just about due.

Worth a punt for a place, at least.

Nominated

42

sometime

BY: if i can

OUT OF : maybe i will

JOCKEY: Andrew Petricola

HANDICAP: 5  RANGE 7.0 - 2.2

GAMES: 20  STRIKE RATE: 2.1

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 11

You can see a pep in the step of this fine colt after a couple of wins early in the year. Relatively lightly weighted for his class and knows how to win in the big events. Another good performance is only a matter of time.

Go for broke or go broke to be sure to get this chance.

Nominated

41

off piste

BY: slippery slope

OUT OF : crosscountry

JOCKEY: Stefan Belevski

HANDICAP: 5  RANGE 6.7 - 4.5

GAMES: 16  STRIKE RATE: 2.56

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 9

This horse has been known to barely touch the turf on some parts of the course. On the other hand, he can be in it up to the hocks. Not a great number of appearances at the track, but enough form shown to warrant a second, or even a third, look.

Check your finances before you decide to bid on this one.

Scratched

41

a touch of blarney

BY: irish eyes

OUT OF : sweet colleen

JOCKEY: Stephen O'Sullivan

HANDICAP: 14  RANGE 13.6 - 10.3

GAMES: 25  STRIKE RATE: 1.64

WIN/PLACE: 3 - 6

Always good for a high speed chase, this horse will cop a light weight this time around. Has been seen operating between the blues and the reds, but, on his day, he can make you take a deep breath. Normally, he can't be bought but will probably make an exception this time around.

Know your limit and you will be fine.

Scratched

39

odds on

BY: the punter

OUT OF : two flies

JOCKEY: Gordon Hill

HANDICAP: 13  RANGE 13.7 - 11.1

GAMES: 25  STRIKE RATE: 1.56

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 11

A few problems in the home stable have kept this fine specimen away from the track at various times. Some parts of the form have been showing signs of rust, while other sections have been shiny bright. Some recent on-line coaching have hinted at potential dramatic improvements, although there is still potential for things to go seriously astray.

Definitely worth a punt, but could easily attract big money.

Nominated

38

hit it hard

BY: tienmen

OUT OF : stuff u

JOCKEY: Chris Priems

HANDICAP: 11  RANGE 12.8 - 10.8

GAMES: 25  STRIKE RATE: 1.52

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 10

Yet to climb the top podium, and carrying a fairly light weight, this stallion is just about due for a win. There has been an effort by the connections to straighten out some erratic running with varying degrees of success. Definitely prefers to have a weight on his back and will be champing at the bit after an enforced lay-off for track work.

Never cheap, so be prepared to dig deep.

Nominated

36

armpits

BY: mcenroe's choice

OUT OF : perfect demeanour

JOCKEY: Bob McDonald

HANDICAP: 26  RANGE 30.3 - 25.7

GAMES: 28  STRIKE RATE: 1.29

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 9

There have been persistent problems with batteries during the season, and they haven't been under the saddle. Very lightly weighted, and capable of shooting the lights out on any given day, but the big question is, can it be done two days in a row.

You have to be in it to win it.

Scratched

35

smashup

BY: speedster

OUT OF : control

JOCKEY: Matt Hunt

HANDICAP: 8  RANGE 9.6 - 7.9

GAMES: 17  STRIKE RATE: 2.06

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 7

Running with a very narrow range of weight this season suggests a very consistent performer. There hasn't been much to show for the efforts so far. A break-out to the better could be just a race or two away.

It will be no accident if you invest(igate) in this one.

Scratched

35

cup winner

BY: king charles

OUT OF : red wine

JOCKEY: Brent Rowley

HANDICAP: 11  RANGE 13.7 - 10.9

GAMES: 12  STRIKE RATE: 2.92

WIN/PLACE: 3 - 7

Carrying as much weight as he has all year could be a telling factor. Has recently matched it with the best in another event and obviously has the nerve to win. The podium turn-out has been reasonably good from a relatively small number of runs.

Family connections might want to pick this one up, so be prepared to pay a little extra.

Scratched

31

crow eater

BY: raven

OUT OF : magpie lark

JOCKEY: Andrew Blight

HANDICAP: 19  RANGE 23.1 - 17.5

GAMES: 23  STRIKE RATE: 1.35

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 6

If you can't see the forest for the trees, just look up, and you might see a rooster. Or it might just be a feather duster. Whatever it is, don't 'arbor any ill feelings, and always look on the Blight side of life.

A penny spent could be a pound earned.

Scratched

30

rough runner

BY: strate line

OUT OF : check the card

JOCKEY: Targe Mifsud

HANDICAP: 30  RANGE 29.8 - 25.3

GAMES: 27  STRIKE RATE: 1.11

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 9

Another lightly weighted stager that works hard at training, but this year has relatively little to show for it. He has been near the top of the table in seasons past, so there is no reason to suspect that the form cannot return, and this just might be the time for it to do so.

A bit of a long shot that could give a top return for your money.

Scratched

30

Short Skirt

BY: Long Legs

OUT OF : Nice But

JOCKEY: Mark Minney

HANDICAP: 9  RANGE 13.0 - 8.3

GAMES: 6  STRIKE RATE: 5

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 4

A recent addition to the field and a maiden in this event. Not too many runs on the board as a result, but those that are there are pretty impressive. A strike rate of over four and a podium turn out nearing 70% augurs well for future performance.

Get your backside trackside and get a piece of this one for sure.

Scratched

28

the general

BY: lincoln's nemesis

OUT OF : grey coat

JOCKEY: Damien Lee

HANDICAP: 8  RANGE 10.5 - 7.3

GAMES: 16  STRIKE RATE: 1.75

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 8

Like every other horse in the field, training has been adversely affected during the year. The weight has lightened a bit from a recent high point following a win, and this steady performer has a good chance of being right up there with his nose in front at the finishing post. If you need a mirror, always look on the Brightside.

You'll need more than barley corns if you want to ride this one's coat-tails.

Scratched

26

Perfect Practice

BY: Seven Iron

OUT OF : Carpet Pile

JOCKEY: Chris James

HANDICAP: 16  RANGE 20.5 - 14.9

GAMES: 13  STRIKE RATE: 2

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 5

Another maiden in this event, and not a long record to go on. Despite this, the podium turn out is pretty good, although this could have been influenced by the settling of the weight. He takes the competition seriously and trains where others fear to tread.

An investment here could prove lucrative.

Nominated

24

noodles

BY: flour'n'eggs

OUT OF : pasta machine

JOCKEY: Stephen Butterfield

HANDICAP: 10  RANGE 10.7 - 8.0

GAMES: 25  STRIKE RATE: 0.96

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 7

The sauce seems to have drained away from this little dish, and he has been consistently losing weight since a win early in the season. Hasn't been to the track in a while and is suspected of training away. More than capable of being a tear-away.

Wrap this one around your fork, and you could be smacking your lips.

Scratched

21

beer barrel

BY: two firkins

OUT OF : kilderkin

JOCKEY: Jason Hopkins

HANDICAP: 8  RANGE 11.8 - 7.3

GAMES: 11  STRIKE RATE: 1.91

WIN/PLACE: 2 - 1

This horse hasn't been seen quite so often this year, and may even have been training away from the home course. Despite the small showing, there have been wins to show for it. If he can put together two in a row, he could very well surprise and present to the judges.

Hop into this one and brew up some profits.

Scratched

21

royal gala

BY: first man

OUT OF : garden of eden

JOCKEY: Adam King

HANDICAP: 19  RANGE 20.3 - 18.6

GAMES: 11  STRIKE RATE: 1.91

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 7

This young colt has had a reasonable podium turn out in a much interrupted season. First past the post has proved to be elusive, but the weighting has been very stable, suggesting that a break-out could be in the offing. Has mounted the podium before, and so is capable of winning.

A punt on this one could get you a goal.

Scratched

21

shafted

BY: attitude

OUT OF : humble pie

JOCKEY: John Quinlan

HANDICAP: 12  RANGE 11.9 - 9.4

GAMES: 17  STRIKE RATE: 1.24

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 5

This fine steed has a stable buddy, Eight Char, that keeps him from the running from time to time. The connections are hoping that a recent session at the beach will strengthen the fetlocks. Certainly great potential for a win, if not a place.

You wouldn't be human if you didn't put all your resources on this one.

Scratched

20

offsider

BY: nose hit

OUT OF : sherlock

JOCKEY: Ken Watson

HANDICAP: 28  RANGE 31.2 - 26.9

GAMES: 15  STRIKE RATE: 1.33

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 4

Mangoes and lemons say the bells of St Clements. A very popular horse in season and out. Not many visits to the winner's circle in recent times but can put on a turn on the day.

The low fruit is there for the picking.

Scratched

18

Grandags

BY: Fingertips

OUT OF : Scheherazade

JOCKEY: Ben Akdag

HANDICAP: 16  RANGE 17.3 - 15.7

GAMES: 10  STRIKE RATE: 1.8

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 4

This fine beast puts in the hours and doesn't mind showing off the result. Track-work has been a bit more consistent of late, and some recent outings have shown a great deal of promise. The connections showed some concern after a recent pipping at the post.

You might need to raid the Topkapi to secure this beasty boy.

Nominated

18

streaming

BY: video

OUT OF : EnBeEn

JOCKEY: Stan Blackshaw

HANDICAP: 22  RANGE 23.8 - 18.5

GAMES: 24  STRIKE RATE: 0.75

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 4

Another maiden in this event with a mid-range handicap, so obviously capable of doing better than recent running. He doesn't seem to like running in the wet, and so the weather on the day could be a big factor. Has some experience in the circle and, so, knows how to do it.

A small investment could offer big returns.

Nominated

17

the hustler

BY: tienmen

OUT OF : stuff u

JOCKEY: Robert Priems

HANDICAP: 25  RANGE 25.5 - 21.3

GAMES: 21  STRIKE RATE: 0.81

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 5

If previous performance is any guide, then this venerable neddy is very lightly weighted indeed. Recent runs have suggested that the turn might be just around the corner. Unfortunately, he does have a tendency lately of going in the shanks.

Could easily be a bargain buy, so don't be afraid to dip into those deep pockets.

Scratched

16

bouncer

BY: hard one

OUT OF : the pitch

JOCKEY: Rodney White

HANDICAP: 17  RANGE 16.8 - 15.1

GAMES: 13  STRIKE RATE: 1.23

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 6

It might be a sign of the times, but this horse has been looking a bit on the bright side at the moment. Not a huge amount of training so far this season, and the winning post has proved elusive. Can putter on, and get the job done, so always a chance.

As they say in the trenches, don't open fire 'til you see the whites of their eyes.

Scratched

14

latin lover

BY: evil wink

OUT OF : balmy nights

JOCKEY: Keith Delzoppo

HANDICAP: 29  RANGE 29.0 - 25.4

GAMES: 18  STRIKE RATE: 0.78

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 6

This fine old war-horse was recently dazzled by the bright lights of public fame. A recent visit to the vet has advised a slowing of the pace. This might be just what is required for a distance event such as this.

Don't be surprised if there is big money here, as he can surprise.

Scratched

13

little dag

BY: golden ram

OUT OF : pretty ewe

JOCKEY: Kazim Akdag

HANDICAP: 9  RANGE 8.7 - 7.3

GAMES: 13  STRIKE RATE: 1

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 6

Long time racer, recent returnee to the field. Not the tear-away he once was having taken on a mare as a running mate. Pretty lightly weighted based on his previous form, so great potential to tear away with the prize.

Bidding is likely to be fierce, so bid early and bid often.

Nominated

12

Slippery Slope

BY: Loan Arranger

OUT OF : Good Ideas

JOCKEY: Jim Belevski

HANDICAP: 25  RANGE 25.0 - 23.0

GAMES: 12  STRIKE RATE: 1

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 4

A maiden runner who will be carrying his lightest weight for the year. The connections believe that he should be allocated even less. Obviously capable of better things if the colt is anything to go by.

Check with your financial adviser before you start bidding here.

Scratched

12

western union

BY: northern lights

OUT OF : southern aurora

JOCKEY: Bill Eastoe

HANDICAP: 9  RANGE 9.9 - 7.7

GAMES: 11  STRIKE RATE: 1.09

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 2

Carrying a light weight for a horse of this talent, there could very wel be some value here. Regulations have kept him away from training for most of the season, so there is not a lot of recent form to go on. The connections have been stocking in Rust-Oleum to get him back into operation.

You'll feel pretty Beastly if you miss out on buying this one.

Scratched

11

dags

BY: golden ram

OUT OF : pretty ewe

JOCKEY: Mehmet Akdag

HANDICAP: 10  RANGE 11.2 - 9.6

GAMES: 5  STRIKE RATE: 2.2

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 1

Training sessions have been pretty thin on the ground, and the running style has not improved in any way. However, it is the result that counts, and the few appearances this season have paid dividends with a pretty handy strike rate. Could easily be fresh after a spell.

A small investment here could stuff the wallet for Christmas.

Scratched

10

mars bar

BY: turkish delight

OUT OF : sweet tooth

JOCKEY: Trevor Jackson

HANDICAP: 41  RANGE 41.5 - 38.3

GAMES: 12  STRIKE RATE: 0.83

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 5

Far and away the most lightly weighted horse in the race. The connections are adamant that he is keen to run and can last the distance. Veterinary advice might suggest otherwise.

A bit of a long shot, but, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Scratched

10

the adman

BY: commercial

OUT OF : major event

JOCKEY: Simon Powell

HANDICAP: 10  RANGE 12.7 - 9.9

GAMES: 5  STRIKE RATE: 2

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 1

Well known for spinning a line, but reports suggest that he is spinning a different line these days. Needs red guide posts to find his way around the course, so would probably get lost at the moment. The connections have relocated him to a northern track, so current form in unknown.

Can win on his day, so worth a punt.

Scratched

9

Waterboarder

BY: Confession

OUT OF : Terrorist

JOCKEY: Anthony Browne

HANDICAP: 13  RANGE 13.2 - 12.2

GAMES: 6  STRIKE RATE: 1.5

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 3

Another maiden for this event and not a huge number of starts to gauge the form. Showed some potential in early starts, but has struggled a bit with the weight being carried. Despite favouring to outside running, there is plenty of future potential.

Could surprise, so worth a small wager.

Scratched

8

A Bit Rich

BY: Lotza Motza

OUT OF : Concrete Boots

JOCKEY: Joe Demir

HANDICAP: 17  RANGE 16.8 - 16.4

GAMES: 3  STRIKE RATE: 2.67

WIN/PLACE: 1 - 0

This horse has been around the track before, but has recently re-emerged and been re-branded. Performed moderately well in trials, and then blitzed the field in his first race. Only a couple of appearances since, so the question is, can he repeat the effort.

Good judges of horse-flesh might just be tempted.

Scratched

5

crewcut

BY: hairdresser

OUT OF : pinot noir

JOCKEY: Chris Vinecombe

HANDICAP: 10  RANGE 10.8 - 9.3

GAMES: 3  STRIKE RATE: 1.67

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 1

Distractions at the home stable have played havoc with training for this young stallion. The connections are confident that a rapid return to form is just a few runs away. The weight suggests that there is plenty of potential to be unleashed.

Harvest the vine and make gallons of wine.

Scratched

4

Squeaky Joint

BY: Creaky Ankle

OUT OF : Alignment

JOCKEY: Patrick McSweeney

HANDICAP: 18  RANGE 18.4 - 18.0

GAMES: 3  STRIKE RATE: 1.33

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 2

Another maiden with little in the way of form. Has trained a couple of times and does have a podium to show for it. The connections might just be ready to give him his head.

Bring your long arms if your pockets are deep.

Scratched

3

The Connection

BY: Last Horse

OUT OF : The Gates

JOCKEY: Matthew Van Dam

HANDICAP: 18  RANGE 17.9 - 17.9

GAMES: 1  STRIKE RATE: 3

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 1

Yet another maiden for this event. A very low turn out at the track means that the form in pretty much non-existent. Has finished on the podium, so does know how to run a race.

Could easily be a case of Damned if you do and Damned if you don't.

Scratched

1

northern general

BY: general grant

OUT OF : miss ohio

JOCKEY: Rod Grant

HANDICAP: 26  RANGE 26.3 - 25.1

GAMES: 5  STRIKE RATE: 0.2

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 1

Another veteran whose training has been adversely affected by lock-downs, veterinary advice and an aversion to running in the wet. The connections have complained that the course seems to be getting longer, although an alternative suggestion is that the strides are getting shorter. Could be due for a comeback.

If you like a long shot, this could be it.

Scratched

0

technocrat

BY: correct swing

OUT OF : swivel hips

JOCKEY: Allan Davies

HANDICAP: 21  RANGE 21.2 - 21.2

GAMES: 1  STRIKE RATE: 0

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 0

Another veteran that has been locked in the stable for most of the year. Easily stands out in the field due to a unique style of running, although it has let him down on occasions. Has performed in the past and could easily do so again.

Worth a small punt for old times sake.

Scratched

0

mulligan

BY: another shot

OUT OF : miss hit

JOCKEY: David Mullenger

HANDICAP: 5  RANGE - - -

GAMES: 0  STRIKE RATE: 0

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 0

With one of the longest strides, this horse is capable of 'smashing' the opposition and leaving them eating his dust. His ability to get to the gates can depend on the events of the night before. Could be good for a spirited performance on his day.

Definitely worth an investment, even if only for a place.

Scratched

0

krispy's kreme

BY: hit it hard

OUT OF : bounds

JOCKEY: Jake Priems

HANDICAP: 29  RANGE 29.0 - 29.0

GAMES: 1  STRIKE RATE: 0

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 0

This frisky young colt is very much an unknown. Not a lot of history to go on, but form (and attendance at the track) has been erratic to say the least. Would have to pull something out of the hat to pull this one off.

Hard to recommend, but long shots do pay handsomely.

Scratched

0

spiderman

BY: redback

OUT OF : dunny seat

JOCKEY: Dale Webb

HANDICAP: 14  RANGE 14.2 - 13.8

GAMES: 3  STRIKE RATE: 0

WIN/PLACE: 0 - 0

The need to provide for a young colt at foot and with another on the way, this young stallion has had his work cut out. The connections have been contemplating a move to other training facilities, but have decided to stick with familiar territory. A recent showing indicated that some new tack could very well pay dividends in the near future.

If ever there was a dark horse, this would be the one to dig deep for.

Scratched