Nothing compares to the old time classics. In the old days farmers used to come in to Wangaratta to pit their young charge against those from the other stations. Often large sums were bet with the multiple bookies in attendance. Before OHS guidelines changed our world, they used to string lights across the track and turn the main light towers off. It was quite the spectacle. I will link one of these races to my twitter.
As you can probably tell, I hold Wangaratta extremely high, I have it in my top few gifts to win. Hopefully the winner this year will recognise the history of this race.
Jack Boulton 6m - 12% - If 'Jumpin Jack Flash' has been hiding anything, I feel he lets it rip here. He is an absolute talent and I am looking forwards to his involvement in athletics for many years to come. Can he win here and take some prize money to help with his travel? I think he makes the final but I think that he will only run 12.5 at best and that will not be enough to win.
Aidan Green 6.75m - 11% - Green 'Street hooligan' is another who will make the final. I think that he has a win in him soon. He didn't get to Bailey at Rye which indicates to me that he wont win this week. I feel that he will push Bailey along but not run over the top of him. Definite final, top two.
Jason Bailey 7.25m - 13% - Bad Boy Bailey probably starts my favourite. I think he has this field covered and may go back to back. You will know if he is on if he has his strut going and ignores you when you say hello. I have him saluting.
Dion Paull 10m - 25% - I have heard some nick names for Dion so will give it a go. Dion 'Dad bod' Paull is more likely to be sucking on a cruiser at the pub on Saturday night than winning the gift. I feel that 'Cruiser' has been stitched up by a number of training partners of something of the like. Prior to his multiple injuries, 'Cruiser' made many gift finals and quality ones at that. I just can't see him doing any damage to the main chances here. Good to see him back though. Hopefully The Spy appreciates my tongue in cheek comments and the 'boys' can have a laugh about it tomorrow under the tent.
Tim Rosen 15m - 15% - Our weekly update on 'The King of the Gifts'. Tim is running, Tim has votes, Tim respects traditions of our sport, Tim would love to take a win here. I don't think he can hold off Bailey. He is improving again but a final at best.
As a side note, I love when athletes talk about themselves in the third person. I also love when athletes talk to themselves on the forum. It makes me laugh. Maybe I should start a new account called Nacho and have a disagreement with myself.
Good luck.