Well, it’s that time of year again when the blog sharpens its pencil and puts out the form guide for the upcoming festivities. This year is a mixed bag, but we’ll see what we can do. Floating around somewhere is a draft copy of the handicaps and the hypothetical rough odds, but I don’t have it handy so I’ll just make do with guessing :-)
Bill McNaughtan - aka The Metronome
Billy has been quiet this year. There don’t seem to have been any early morning journeys to Royal Park for a hit with the howler monkeys. I’m doubting he can regain the form he had as the winner a few years ago, but he is impossible to discount because of the massive handicap. Once again, I’d expect a good score early and a slow decline over the following days.
Place chance at best
Bob Starke - aka Gus
A recent winner who is trained to within an inch of perfection. At least for any lawn bowls that gets played while we are away. He’s in a good mood because his car which was recently nicked is now back and better than ever. Don’t ever discount a happy Gus.
Keep in the multiples
Craig Tingate - aka Craig
Truckloads of ability. Hard to go past. Handicap should go out a stroke or two this year, so I am expecting great things. He’s also been playing a little bit this year, but history has shown us that practice doesn’t necessarily improve his game.
Easily the best chance on form.
Gary Lennox - aka Brother Ox
Man on a mission. Disappointing effort last year and will be looking for something a bit more special this time around. It must hurt a bit that his brother has his name on the trophy and he doesn’t.
Same advice as last year - Monty as an each way, maybe even try for a good deal as one half of the quinnie with his brother
Glenn Simpson - aka Col's Brother
Will have to take part without his brother again this year, but he’ll have the experience of last year to help him through. Much better than history would suggest and probably a good idea to keep him safe. If he can get it together he's got the game and the handicap to be holding the trophy at the presentation (although that might just be so the winner can get a drink).
Not the worst
Greg Attril - aka Jack
Is the most quoted man on the tour :-) Multiple previous winner and can never be counted out. Always performs miraculously on the last day. May well feature at the finish.
Bet the place
Greg Lennox - aka Ox
Consistency is his hallmark. He can grind out a good four days and is worth keeping an eye on.
Back in a quinnie with Brother Ox
John Palmer – aka Pop
Probably should have won, but doesn’t seem to really have enough mongrel in him to pull it off. Coming back after a spell and has finally been smart enough to fly in instead of catching the bus. Perhaps this shows a previously unseen commitment and may herald in a new era of champion. Has nobbled himself a bit by deciding to only play two days.
Top 5
Michael De Nittis - aka The Phantom
Dark horse of the field. Been on the podium for the last 3 years but hasn’t quite taken the step up to the top. Definitely has the potential to do it this year and will probably hold a fair bit of the smart money.
Get on.
Nigel Roulston - aka Nigel
Has shown nothing in the past 12 months to suggest that he will be any better than previous years. Putting has improved a bit, but the rest of his game has become worse.
Once again, you would be better putting your money on Pearcey instead
Robert Hart - aka Harty
Recently suffered from a terrible bout of physical fitness but has now managed to pull himself out of it. Trained to a peak he will be tough to beat (to the pie shop).
Unlikely chance.
Tony Pearce - aka Pearcey
Has shown very little form over the last few years, so difficult to tell. If previous effort is any indication then I think you can all make up your own minds.
To quote a recent tipster in The Age - No
Vaughn Moore - aka Vaughn
Podium finish last year, and should be rested well for a return this year. Has the dubious distinction of driving up with Pop and will also only be participating in 2 days of bushwalking. This might make it difficult, but then again it might help.
On last year’s form, has to be considered.
Jim Roberts - aka Jimmy
Previous winner from way back, but with no reliable form. Apparently is a good player on his day so will probably be handicapped out of it for his first start after a long spell.
Dangerous, but probably not deadly.
There are a few noteable outs this year (at least at this point)
Peter “Kingy” King – the current champion will not be showing up to defend his title. I think he’s scared of Pearcey
Colwyn “Col” Simpson – managed to stuff up his working arrangements so badly that it means he has to do some.
Mike “Big Mike” Smith – recently changed jobs so has work related issues
Tony “Laney” Lane – I think it’s his wife’s anniversary
Kevin “Kev” Harling – Unknown
