Sorry, have to go to work so don't have time to post field, thanks to RJ or Paddy if can do. Well I've backed the horse every start so I'm not tempting fate now by changing. The weight is of course the worry, but has carried heavy weight before, and has been helped by the barrier draw. Many chances in the race. Settled on the following selections.

This Manshood (concerns are weight and having 8th run in, but I think still good enough to take this, should get good spot just behind leaders and peel out on turn)

Regent Street (5.5kg turnaround on TM, has won 2nd up, and a good barrier trial before last start ordinary run, Gerald Ryan should have her ready to go).

Vendettas (flashed home nicely last start and might do same again to pinch it).

Britts Best (nice run on Saturday, chance at longer odds).

Rough chances to Laurinel Argie & Jade Prince, could be surprise packet. Have left out Gai's Arlington Road and will probably pay the penalty, but I'll be happy to box my five for the tri, and maybe have a very, very merry christmas.

Merry Christmas to all forum members. Have enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts throughout the year, and may the next year be prosperous and enjoyable for all.

Cheers
Cosmo



[ This Message was edited by: Cosmo on 2002-12-20 21:13 ]

And a Merry Xmas to you too Cosmo. I'll be back later with my selections.

VILLIERS STAKES 1600m

1 THIS MANSHOOD Tim Martin L Moloney 3 58.5
2 ARLINGTON ROAD Gai Waterhouse C Munce 12 56.5
3 REGENT STREET (NZ) Gerald Ryan Steven King 19 55.5
4 BAGHDAD Gai Waterhouse R Thompson 20 55
5 SILVER BIRCH Mick Cerchi J Patton 22 54
6 CROP (NZ) Clarry Conners S Pollard 6 53.5
7 HUGE DEMAND Graeme Rogerson B Stanley 7 53.5
8 BOREALE John Hawkes D Beadman 16 53
9 BRANTWOOD MANOR Frank Cleary P Ferris 15 53
10 BRITT'S BEST (NZ) Max Lees D Beasley 21 53
11 DE ARMAN Gary Portelli D McLellan 11 53
12 JADE PRINCE Clarry Conners A W Robinson 10 53
13 KAAPGUN (NZ) Noel Mayfield-Smith C Carmody 14 53
14 KOOTOOMOOTOO Bob Thomsen B Pengelly 4 53
15 LAURINEL ARGIE Rex Lipp G Buckley 18 53
16 MRS. TENDULKAR Bart Cummings D Gauci 1 53
17 RAW INSTINCT (NZ) Bruce McLachlan R Brewer (a) 17 53
18 TYPHOON Anthony Cummings Ms B Cooper 13 53
19 VENDETTAS John Hawkes C Brown 8 53
20 WYANGAN PINES Guy Walter H Bowman 5 53
21E HALLS OF ASSEMBLY Rod Craig 2 53
22E IMPOSING DOM Diane Poidevin-Laine 9 53

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Ta me go maith

(17) Raw Instinct, not well drawn but does meet likely favourite This Manshood 3.5kg better for a 1.3l beating over 1400m when running on strongly.

(5) Silver Birch, Victorian visitor not well drawn, but unbeaten over 1600m.

(3) Regent Street, yet another not well drawn. Meets likely favourite This Manshood 5.0kg better for a 2.8 beating over 1400m when running on strongly.

(1) This Manshood, in fine form, but weighted to his best.

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Ta me go maith