Ballarat Men's Gift 120m

Some big names have had a win at Ballarat. I remember when POD had a juicy win when the prize money jackpot after Stawell one year. This final will be sheer quality.

Frog Man is scratching his slimy little head here.

Dunmall- getting into form, mark is tight. final.
Stevens- will find this tougher then parkdale. just missis final.
Hanna- Votes just for his 70 Stawell win. semi.
Cordoma- The one to watch for me, from the strong Youngy stable, will be fit.
Green- Not sure, probably not.
Lugo- A real danger, go close. final.

Winner could come from anywhere.

Frog I think Hanna is a little more than votes just for Stawell 70 win. He ran a 10.68 +0.3 in Sydney in December. That is seriously moving! For mine he is one of the ones to beat if he is in that form still or even better a couple of months on.

thanks Tim, yes that is moving. In that case I have him right up there if he can re produce that, I assume his mark puts him on 12.45? Wonder how he can handle the longer grass track.

Chris Vi should have a bold showing here, along with Kev brittain wouldn't surprise, his finding some form again. Great incentive with the fastest RPM's being payed out here, fantastic stuff from the organisers- Should make a few back makers get moving

Looking forward to this one. Always a highlight and the Ballarat Gift Committee should be commended for their proactive approach and willingness to try new things.

Final:

Luke Stevens 2.25
Smooth moving Stevens is going well and another win in the pros could be on the cards soon. Don't think he can pick them all off this week though.

Michael Hanna 4.75
4th in Stawell semi last year with 12.648 off the same mark and ran 10.68 (+0.3) at Sydney in Dec. I think he will final but if Stawell is on his agenda might prefer to run a couple of events for 0.25m lifts before chasing a winning bonus. Capable.

Aidan Green 6.75
Hasn't run since Rye and rumours are circulating his squad was protesting the stewards line of questioning at Daylesford. There were no adverse findings following that event though. If he runs will final and should go close.

Jake Ireland 8.5
Has produced some consistent results over 120 this season after a dominant win in the Stawell 400m backies last year. If he salutes here it would be another big win for Todd's boys. Where does he sit in the pecking order though?

Rupert Lugo 8.5
Has made plenty of finals already but usually finishes towards the back. Has missed the last 2 meets and will be fresh. As frog man pointed out will be dangerous off 8.5.

Matt Burleigh 9
Has only run 70's since his win at Rye. I still think he makes any final he wants off 9 and there should be enough cover here to make sure he covers his travel expenses.

Max Punchihewa 9.75
Consecutive 3rd placed finishes at Wang and Parkdale and another final beckons. Might be 'punching' above his weight in this one too though.

Chris Vi 10.5
Started the season in good form but has missed the last couple of meets. Was he freshening up or did he have an injury set back? Hope he hasn't developed a taste for apple krumble. Should figure.

Riali has won here before and might start to show some form. Will be interesting to see if McNamara runs for the first time this season and Procaccino could find something for his home town. KK scratched from the semi's at Parkdale so probably won't see him here.

Adams, Sonsini and Mistarz wouldn't surprise either but surely they won't want to be cutting each others lunch.

Other final chances include Dunmall, Delahunty, Antonino & Ware.

Antonino from Griffin

Lugo gets a juicy 0.5m lift from his last gift run and should be eyeing off a big Ballarat win.
Should be able to hold off the backmarkers chasing the RPM bonus cash and knows he’s got the fronties covered as they’re smelling that delicious apple krumble

Rupert not the only one with a juicy lift. 2 x former Ballarat winners up 3/4 from last run.
Looking results VAL page, Lugo has run 8 times this season starting from 7.75m. A lift to 8.5m after 3rd in classic final, another group 1 final and last run NAP doesn’t add up.
Mr Handicapper must be feeling generous.