St Albans is always a good final. I am a little biased, but I do like the final under lights. It is a great spectacle from the sidelines as I have already mentioned. On to the tips.
Joel Bee 0.75m 21% - Float like a butterfly sprint like a, well, Bee. This man is on fire. Was ever so close to winning Rye 'Grass' so why would he not be the favourite for St Albans. I just wonder if he has it in him to make the Stawell Gift final of such a tight mark? Watch how quickly he eats into the 'field'. I have been praising coaches a lot tonight, so well done to JH as Bee is 'Flying'. All puns intended
Oliver Wurm 8m / Mohamad Zeed 8m 14% - Zeed has not run yet so I think these votes are not for him. The human Lumbricina is looking good. He has form over the 400m and a good mark in the gift. Sound familiar? A win here would place him on 8.75m at Stawell. Is he a dark horse? One to watch.
Rupert Lugo 9.75m / Leigh Phelan 9.75m 14% - Lugo only runs quick at Stawell so don't worry about him here. Rampaging Phelan is another huge threat to win this weekend. He is running extremely well and people should take note of his never say die attitude. Made the Classic final at Maryborough, just missed out on the win Castlemaine and will go very close here!
Lawrence Coop 13m / Tim Rosen 13m 14% - Last season Coop was right in everything. I am not sure what has changed but he has not looked the same athlete this season. Perhaps he has an injury? On last year's form he goes very close. Right now I, I think the votes were for Rosen. I do not think Rosen will feature this week. He has not looked the same since he won the 200m at Maryborough. I cannot see him on current form beating home his training partner. He withdrew due to illness from the 400m final at Rye. Let's hope he is alright.
Like my fellow thought provoking Ballaritian I had noticed the lift afforded to the better Newman. He was actually my vote. Can he win and come back later with 8m? Why would they make the trip down? He is a talent!
Good luck.