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The world’s richest masters 300m is on this week and Aunty Edna has given her favourite nephew licence to preview the great race. Bazza has had a gutful of SAAL issues which can only be resolved with a ‘Bridget McKenzie’. No relation of mine either. Much better fun anyway the VAL masters although there are some power struggles within. Who is the poster boy anyway? It looks like ‘the enforcer’ has upstaged ‘the explosion’ with some top efforts. Ballarat Gift Committee has asked that ‘the enforcer’ have his chair as far as possible away from the ‘Pod Squad’ tents to prevent fireworks. Who will back up their banter with results.
Paul Tancredi 0m The little dynamo hasn’t run many masters events this season. If runs can figure on 2019 form.
Cam Dunbar 9m one of the prolific winners on the VAL circuit who is a chance in every race he contests.
Carl Morehouse 9m Another former gun who fifteen years ago had a 10.47 100m. Injuries haven’t helped lately but if fit looms large.
William Little 9m Accomplished athlete who in 2017 ran 23.64 which sits well even off this mark.
Andrew Wilcox 10m one of the top 400m runners for his age in the world. Is preparing for World Masters in Toronto in July so not sure where his preparation is at. If forward will figure.
Mohamed Zeed 10m Came from the clouds to win Waverley 300m. Young vet who if repeats Waverley is in finish.
Jeremy Dixon 12m Ex Kiwi who in youth one of New Zealand’s top 200m athletes. One run in pros for fast finishing 3rd in 300m heat at Warrnambool. Will be fresh. Can’t leave out.
Noddy Angelakos 13m young vet who is highly competitive in open ranks. If has targeted this event will figure.
Jacob Taylor 14m a young vet who started his vet career in good fashion making 120 and 300m finals. Will be rocketing home.
Mark Giglio 16m very good athlete but hasn’t run enough VAL of late to know if ready.
Stewart Dobrzynski 17m another master heading to Toronto. Young vet who has a mighty finish when right. Would not surprise as form has been ok.
Neil Brennan 19 m forty year old who mixes distances. Has some excellent 800m results so will be running on.
Matt Stewart 20m think first run in VAL vets. Prefer to watch.
Aaron Pooley 20m Good athlete who is on comeback trail. Bazza thinks not yet.
Shane Quinn 21m Prolific masters winner. Is a real chance who will be flying home.
Justin Murphy 22m one of the VAL’s best distance athletes who has dropped back to some 300’s as well. His form in those races has been excellent which puts him right in chances.
Tim Halpin 23m Has been mixing distances this season but has been making finals. Another young vet who can final.
Julian Fawcett 23m ‘The Balnarring Bullett’ finals a lot mixing vet and open races. Has been on the podium a fair bit at Ballarat so must like the place. Live chance.
Daniel Martin 26m Pod Squadder who has been making open finals recently which augers well for this. One of the most consistent vets on the circuit. Form puts him in contention.
Scott Schillito 26m Another POD who has fantastic record in vets and at Ballarat. Spies tell me not ready this year but Bazza not writing off.
Glenn Stephens 26m has had a brilliant VAL career but a fraction off his best recently. Wouldn’t surprise though.
Tim Cherry 27m very talented athlete who if fit would shake the life out of this. Scratched a few times this year which may indicate injury.
Darren Naismith 27m has form over all distances. Parkdale form indicated on the improve so wouldn’t surprise.
Peter O’Dwyer 27m The revered POD leader has been one of the greats of the VAL and has slowly gone out in marks over past seasons. In top two in Australia in 50/54 age group. Latest form has been good and is relatively injury free. Can win and will bring house down if salutes.
Rod Mathews 28m Stawell Gift winner who has had great success over the years. In his home town which may give him impetus for big run. Good chance.
Jake Densley 29m Hasn’t figured this season. Not yet.
Nikolas Brudenall 30m not enough form yet.
Todd Ireland 32m Like POD one of the top coaches and VAL great. Hasn’t figured much recently but has ability to win. Never leave out.
Andrew Drummond 32m POD warrior who mixes distances 70m to 400m Masters and Open. Quality athlete coming off dead heat 120m masters at Parkdale. Will not die wondering, another who will be storming home. Good podium chance.
Sandor Kazi 33m Hasn’t run much VAL this season but good enough to figure. Third in this race last year. Not without a chance.
Darren Arthur 34m Won Stawell 300m in 08/09 in scintillating 33.34. Mark has been tough since, only eleven years, but finally is beginning to get to competitive peg. Runs open 400’s too so very fit. In finals lately so chance.
Andrew Muhlhan 38m Has made Stawell Gift final so no slouch. Not in that form at moment so not here.
Brett MacDonald 38m not much known about him. Not yet.
Stephen McCulloch 39m Hasn’t competed much in Masters but shows good pace in open and other events. Not dismissing chance as from POD squad.
Celia Cosgriff 40m Quality athlete who hasn’t competed a lot lately presumably because of baby arrival. Not yet.
Paul O’Neill 40m not on exposed form.
Alice Platten 44m has been a very good VAL athlete but may need more meterage.
Ali Saliu 44m only croweater in field which is incredible considering SAAL woes which rival Fed Gov ineptitude. Wouldn’t shock but form indicates needs a couple more metres.
John Hilditch 40m Top VAL athlete, the ‘Flying Scotsman’ has won many races over different sprint distances. Finished 2nd in open 70m at Maribyrnong which is good form for this event. Good chance.
Domonic Condello 40m The new poster boy ‘the enforcer’ took out the recent Maribyrnong Masters 300m with a brilliant finishing burst. Followed with a Parkdale final. Will probably final but 3m pull makes winning chances tougher. Needs to be careful of POD finalists.
Tom Hecimovic 42m ‘The Hitman’ took out the Rye open 800m in a memorable performance so fitness not a problem. Has good speed as well which brings him right into calculations.
Elvis Cross 43m ‘ Hound Dog’ and his family have taken the VAL by storm. The ‘Dog’ is on fire and dead heated the masters 120m at Parkdale. Also been in a number of masters 300 finals which puts him in podium chances. Pod squadder.
Tony Martin 44m Former gun sprinter who has excellent Stawell Gift form to his credit. His speed has carried him into chances in straight in 300’s but has lacked a finish. Outside chance. Pod athlete.
Michael Carney 44m was in good form earlier in season but been missing lately. If fit will be in contention.
Josh Drysdale 45m ‘the strawberry farmer’ was in excellent form early but has had a break. If kept fitness will be very competitive.
Rob Irwin 45m took out the Daylesford 300m masters with a strong finish. Has mainly run longer races since but if runs up to that win good chance.
Suzie Sinclair 45m is starting to hit hot form. ‘Six Pack’ ran strong third at Parkdale in 300m masters so she must be considered. Will go hard early and rely her superior fitness to get her home. Big chance.
David Griffin 45m ‘The Freight Train’ has been the best 300m masters runner this season as evidenced by his Series massive lead. No doubt will be in finish as he can sprint fast when needed. Bazza’s top pick. But he was $1.70 fav last week at Parkdale and ran second.
Jeff Sargent 46m took out the masters 300m at Parkdale. ‘The Flying Dentist’ also ran third in the masters 120. Has been pulled 3m for his win but winning form usually holds up and he has to be included in chances.
Peter O’Farrell 46m dead heated in Keilor 300m masters last season. Must come into calculations if Darwin Junket hasn’t knocked him about too much.
Carl McMeel 47m ‘The Bandana’ has been in a number of masters 300m finals recently which is the best form for this race. Will look the winner at some stage and is usually strong. Should final at worst.
Gerard Adams 47m Ultra consistent 300m runner who had great form last season. Tore a hammy earlier this season and is starting to gain fitness again. Can’t leave out.
David Gill 50m Won Rye masters 300m earlier in season. Having great season and has been in many finals. Should final and maybe podium.
Samantha Barrow 50m Good athlete who will be competitive. Don’t see her winning though.
Emily Smith 52m hasn’t run much but won 200m at recent country chmps in slick time won’t be far away.
Colum Rothery 51m is on of the live chances in this race. Form is second best for this event and this runner has an age group 800m world record. Think he will podium.
Richard Wearmouth 53m took out the double 120m & 300m masters here in 2016. Has made a couple of finals this season which gives him some hope.
Brendan Bailey 54m ‘Jocka’ continues to figure in the 120m and 300m masters. Won Wangaratta 300m masters and Waverley 120m masters this season. Won’t reach the heights of his kids but always a chance.
Paul Kinniburg 54m Hasn’t run a lot of races this season but capable of big run if ready.
Sean Quilty 54m ‘doona’ the champion long distance athlete will find this too short.
Les Williams 54 The 64 year legend old has won 68 VAL sashes which is incredible. May target open 400m so may not see him in 300m. If we do always a chance.
Jacqui McCann 54m Ballarat athlete who has been working up to a win. May be an outside chance.
Bruce Kinnersley.54m has been lifted this year but may need a few more metres on exposed form. Although comes out of POD stable.
Narelle Lehman 56m won Warrnambool 300m masters in brilliant style early in season. Form has been credible since but still back 2m on that win. Could final.
Angela Phillips 57m Has had excellent season thus far figuring in women open gifts. If carries that form into this race undeniable hope.
Paul Frusher 57m ‘The Bolt’ has been battling injury all season. Good chance if fully fit.
Andrew Van Eede 58m First year runner who has steadily gone out in handicaps but on times might find it too hard.
Adrian Fury 58m Albury coach/athlete who has steadily gone out in handicap. Has had some good wins over the years . Could be a surprise packet.
Paul Brooks 61m mixes his distances from 300m to 1600m. Won Maryborough 300m in 2018 off similar mark but may not have run enough recently.
Sue Anderson 62m another ballaraterian who comes into calculations after strong Parkdale 300m masters heat win on Saturday. Very consistent, strong athlete who could final again.
Craig Lancaster 64m has had good form over the years in the VAL but while since he saluted. Prepared to risk.
Noel Maghamez 66m on the comeback trail and not ready yet.
Dale Jones 68m the ‘Wellington Boot’ yes ten hour trip to compete is starting to hit his straps after a NSW fire interrupted season which made training difficult. Had a purple patch last season and getting closer. Could final.
Dale Millard 70m arguably the most prestigious Stawell name [ first Stawell gift winner and then relative ]. He has good ability too but not gift win. Could be hard to catch.
Sonya Pollard 73m was beaten by an inch at Wangaratta in 300m masters which brings her into the live chances in this event. Has been a prolific winner in races 70m to 400m and could add to her collection here. Right in the mix.
Ricky Dunbar 83m the 80 year old won this race a couple of years ago. Form hasn’t been of that standard but a ‘Superstar’ of the VAL who if won would get an enormous reception.
Lynne Gunning 83 had very good early season form before injury. Going good again and fights on hard. Could final.
Gary Blake 84m ‘the money man’ took out the big money last year although a fraction below his form since then, has still been able make a number of finals this year so can’t dismiss. May also be a front markers track which helps. If he salutes the shout is on at ‘The Olympic’ in Preston.
Martin Armour 86m was a close second in this race last year but his form hasn’t reached that level this year. All the same it would be unwise to leave him out.
Greg Whitecross 87m ‘the floater’ injuries have hindered his preparation this year. Geelong may be best option if can stay sound.
Tony O’Shea 88m ‘the explosion ’is in the all-powerful Pride stable. Runs every week and often leads to last 30m then compounds. Been lifted to 88m which may bring him into calculations. Needs a win to get his poster boy status from ‘the enforcer’.
Gary Mahon 90m has been hit with injuries this season. If can be fit like floater Geelong should be aim.
Paul Tancredi 0m The little dynamo hasn’t run many masters events this season. If runs can figure on 2019 form.
Cam Dunbar 9m one of the prolific winners on the VAL circuit who is a chance in every race he contests.
Carl Morehouse 9m Another former gun who fifteen years ago had a 10.47 100m. Injuries haven’t helped lately but if fit looms large.
William Little 9m Accomplished athlete who in 2017 ran 23.64 which sits well even off this mark.
Andrew Wilcox 10m one of the top 400m runners for his age in the world. Is preparing for World Masters in Toronto in July so not sure where his preparation is at. If forward will figure.
Mohamed Zeed 10m Came from the clouds to win Waverley 300m. Young vet who if repeats Waverley is in finish.
Jeremy Dixon 12m Ex Kiwi who in youth one of New Zealand’s top 200m athletes. One run in pros for fast finishing 3rd in 300m heat at Warrnambool. Will be fresh. Can’t leave out.
Noddy Angelakos 13m young vet who is highly competitive in open ranks. If has targeted this event will figure.
Jacob Taylor 14m a young vet who started his vet career in good fashion making 120 and 300m finals. Will be rocketing home.
Mark Giglio 16m very good athlete but hasn’t run enough VAL of late to know if ready.
Stewart Dobrzynski 17m another master heading to Toronto. Young vet who has a mighty finish when right. Would not surprise as form has been ok.
Neil Brennan 19 m forty year old who mixes distances. Has some excellent 800m results so will be running on.
Matt Stewart 20m think first run in VAL vets. Prefer to watch.
Aaron Pooley 20m Good athlete who is on comeback trail. Bazza thinks not yet.
Shane Quinn 21m Prolific masters winner. Is a real chance who will be flying home.
Justin Murphy 22m one of the VAL’s best distance athletes who has dropped back to some 300’s as well. His form in those races has been excellent which puts him right in chances.
Tim Halpin 23m Has been mixing distances this season but has been making finals. Another young vet who can final.
Julian Fawcett 23m ‘The Balnarring Bullett’ finals a lot mixing vet and open races. Has been on the podium a fair bit at Ballarat so must like the place. Live chance.
Daniel Martin 26m Pod Squadder who has been making open finals recently which augers well for this. One of the most consistent vets on the circuit. Form puts him in contention.
Scott Schillito 26m Another POD who has fantastic record in vets and at Ballarat. Spies tell me not ready this year but Bazza not writing off.
Glenn Stephens 26m has had a brilliant VAL career but a fraction off his best recently. Wouldn’t surprise though.
Tim Cherry 27m very talented athlete who if fit would shake the life out of this. Scratched a few times this year which may indicate injury.
Darren Naismith 27m has form over all distances. Parkdale form indicated on the improve so wouldn’t surprise.
Peter O’Dwyer 27m The revered POD leader has been one of the greats of the VAL and has slowly gone out in marks over past seasons. In top two in Australia in 50/54 age group. Latest form has been good and is relatively injury free. Can win and will bring house down if salutes.
Rod Mathews 28m Stawell Gift winner who has had great success over the years. In his home town which may give him impetus for big run. Good chance.
Jake Densley 29m Hasn’t figured this season. Not yet.
Nikolas Brudenall 30m not enough form yet.
Todd Ireland 32m Like POD one of the top coaches and VAL great. Hasn’t figured much recently but has ability to win. Never leave out.
Andrew Drummond 32m POD warrior who mixes distances 70m to 400m Masters and Open. Quality athlete coming off dead heat 120m masters at Parkdale. Will not die wondering, another who will be storming home. Good podium chance.
Sandor Kazi 33m Hasn’t run much VAL this season but good enough to figure. Third in this race last year. Not without a chance.
Darren Arthur 34m Won Stawell 300m in 08/09 in scintillating 33.34. Mark has been tough since, only eleven years, but finally is beginning to get to competitive peg. Runs open 400’s too so very fit. In finals lately so chance.
Andrew Muhlhan 38m Has made Stawell Gift final so no slouch. Not in that form at moment so not here.
Brett MacDonald 38m not much known about him. Not yet.
Stephen McCulloch 39m Hasn’t competed much in Masters but shows good pace in open and other events. Not dismissing chance as from POD squad.
Celia Cosgriff 40m Quality athlete who hasn’t competed a lot lately presumably because of baby arrival. Not yet.
Paul O’Neill 40m not on exposed form.
Alice Platten 44m has been a very good VAL athlete but may need more meterage.
Ali Saliu 44m only croweater in field which is incredible considering SAAL woes which rival Fed Gov ineptitude. Wouldn’t shock but form indicates needs a couple more metres.
John Hilditch 40m Top VAL athlete, the ‘Flying Scotsman’ has won many races over different sprint distances. Finished 2nd in open 70m at Maribyrnong which is good form for this event. Good chance.
Domonic Condello 40m The new poster boy ‘the enforcer’ took out the recent Maribyrnong Masters 300m with a brilliant finishing burst. Followed with a Parkdale final. Will probably final but 3m pull makes winning chances tougher. Needs to be careful of POD finalists.
Tom Hecimovic 42m ‘The Hitman’ took out the Rye open 800m in a memorable performance so fitness not a problem. Has good speed as well which brings him right into calculations.
Elvis Cross 43m ‘ Hound Dog’ and his family have taken the VAL by storm. The ‘Dog’ is on fire and dead heated the masters 120m at Parkdale. Also been in a number of masters 300 finals which puts him in podium chances. Pod squadder.
Tony Martin 44m Former gun sprinter who has excellent Stawell Gift form to his credit. His speed has carried him into chances in straight in 300’s but has lacked a finish. Outside chance. Pod athlete.
Michael Carney 44m was in good form earlier in season but been missing lately. If fit will be in contention.
Josh Drysdale 45m ‘the strawberry farmer’ was in excellent form early but has had a break. If kept fitness will be very competitive.
Rob Irwin 45m took out the Daylesford 300m masters with a strong finish. Has mainly run longer races since but if runs up to that win good chance.
Suzie Sinclair 45m is starting to hit hot form. ‘Six Pack’ ran strong third at Parkdale in 300m masters so she must be considered. Will go hard early and rely her superior fitness to get her home. Big chance.
David Griffin 45m ‘The Freight Train’ has been the best 300m masters runner this season as evidenced by his Series massive lead. No doubt will be in finish as he can sprint fast when needed. Bazza’s top pick. But he was $1.70 fav last week at Parkdale and ran second.
Jeff Sargent 46m took out the masters 300m at Parkdale. ‘The Flying Dentist’ also ran third in the masters 120. Has been pulled 3m for his win but winning form usually holds up and he has to be included in chances.
Peter O’Farrell 46m dead heated in Keilor 300m masters last season. Must come into calculations if Darwin Junket hasn’t knocked him about too much.
Carl McMeel 47m ‘The Bandana’ has been in a number of masters 300m finals recently which is the best form for this race. Will look the winner at some stage and is usually strong. Should final at worst.
Gerard Adams 47m Ultra consistent 300m runner who had great form last season. Tore a hammy earlier this season and is starting to gain fitness again. Can’t leave out.
David Gill 50m Won Rye masters 300m earlier in season. Having great season and has been in many finals. Should final and maybe podium.
Samantha Barrow 50m Good athlete who will be competitive. Don’t see her winning though.
Emily Smith 52m hasn’t run much but won 200m at recent country chmps in slick time won’t be far away.
Colum Rothery 51m is on of the live chances in this race. Form is second best for this event and this runner has an age group 800m world record. Think he will podium.
Richard Wearmouth 53m took out the double 120m & 300m masters here in 2016. Has made a couple of finals this season which gives him some hope.
Brendan Bailey 54m ‘Jocka’ continues to figure in the 120m and 300m masters. Won Wangaratta 300m masters and Waverley 120m masters this season. Won’t reach the heights of his kids but always a chance.
Paul Kinniburg 54m Hasn’t run a lot of races this season but capable of big run if ready.
Sean Quilty 54m ‘doona’ the champion long distance athlete will find this too short.
Les Williams 54 The 64 year legend old has won 68 VAL sashes which is incredible. May target open 400m so may not see him in 300m. If we do always a chance.
Jacqui McCann 54m Ballarat athlete who has been working up to a win. May be an outside chance.
Bruce Kinnersley.54m has been lifted this year but may need a few more metres on exposed form. Although comes out of POD stable.
Narelle Lehman 56m won Warrnambool 300m masters in brilliant style early in season. Form has been credible since but still back 2m on that win. Could final.
Angela Phillips 57m Has had excellent season thus far figuring in women open gifts. If carries that form into this race undeniable hope.
Paul Frusher 57m ‘The Bolt’ has been battling injury all season. Good chance if fully fit.
Andrew Van Eede 58m First year runner who has steadily gone out in handicaps but on times might find it too hard.
Adrian Fury 58m Albury coach/athlete who has steadily gone out in handicap. Has had some good wins over the years . Could be a surprise packet.
Paul Brooks 61m mixes his distances from 300m to 1600m. Won Maryborough 300m in 2018 off similar mark but may not have run enough recently.
Sue Anderson 62m another ballaraterian who comes into calculations after strong Parkdale 300m masters heat win on Saturday. Very consistent, strong athlete who could final again.
Craig Lancaster 64m has had good form over the years in the VAL but while since he saluted. Prepared to risk.
Noel Maghamez 66m on the comeback trail and not ready yet.
Dale Jones 68m the ‘Wellington Boot’ yes ten hour trip to compete is starting to hit his straps after a NSW fire interrupted season which made training difficult. Had a purple patch last season and getting closer. Could final.
Dale Millard 70m arguably the most prestigious Stawell name [ first Stawell gift winner and then relative ]. He has good ability too but not gift win. Could be hard to catch.
Sonya Pollard 73m was beaten by an inch at Wangaratta in 300m masters which brings her into the live chances in this event. Has been a prolific winner in races 70m to 400m and could add to her collection here. Right in the mix.
Ricky Dunbar 83m the 80 year old won this race a couple of years ago. Form hasn’t been of that standard but a ‘Superstar’ of the VAL who if won would get an enormous reception.
Lynne Gunning 83 had very good early season form before injury. Going good again and fights on hard. Could final.
Gary Blake 84m ‘the money man’ took out the big money last year although a fraction below his form since then, has still been able make a number of finals this year so can’t dismiss. May also be a front markers track which helps. If he salutes the shout is on at ‘The Olympic’ in Preston.
Martin Armour 86m was a close second in this race last year but his form hasn’t reached that level this year. All the same it would be unwise to leave him out.
Greg Whitecross 87m ‘the floater’ injuries have hindered his preparation this year. Geelong may be best option if can stay sound.
Tony O’Shea 88m ‘the explosion ’is in the all-powerful Pride stable. Runs every week and often leads to last 30m then compounds. Been lifted to 88m which may bring him into calculations. Needs a win to get his poster boy status from ‘the enforcer’.
Gary Mahon 90m has been hit with injuries this season. If can be fit like floater Geelong should be aim.