This is a nice little purse for the female athletes as we move towards parity. I personally think there should still be an open gift with a large prize money but that is for another thread. There are a couple of ladies who are probably better suited to the 100m distance and may give the podium a shake here.
Angela Byrt 3.5m 9% - Byrt is the kind of runner who may not care too much about the race in just over a month. Roughly $1K to take home will be a good reward. Byrt has pace, she is quality and has enough of a mark to win if she wants. Will be steaming home at Steampack Grardens. Final, top three.
Taylah Perry 5.75m 11% - The pint sized Perry won Stonnington off 7m but looks a more complete runner now. She has a mark that should put her right in the mix. I think she is one of the ladies who is better suited to the 100m distance and that comment may be just enough for her to just miss this win and show me up over a 120m race soon. If she doesn't win then she must be trialling well against a stablemate who has already won one of the biggest races in Australia this season. Should final and top three chance.
Katie Moore 6.25m 10% - Moore is getting older but she cannot be dismissed in any race. I feel that she is still building as the window may be closing for a shot at the biggest prize there currently is. She may need a little moore than what she has. Another half before Easters would be handy! Final at best, I think there are eyes on a bigger prize, at least a final.
Kirsty Stevens 8.25m 13% - Stevens should go close here as well and is a definite top three chance. She wont win though. I think it is clear where her mind is at. Good luck to her.
Jody Richards 10.75m 10% - The other Richards has improved and I think she could be a chance at the win this week. Why not, she will come back to around the limit anyway should she enter at Stawell. She has been moving well and has a good mark for a lass so young. Final for me.
After watching some racing and results over the last few weeks I think it is clear that some of the Victorian female athletes are setting their sights firmly on Easter. I have also seen some worrying signs for them as the interstaters are looming large. I was surprised to see Straus run two days in a row and agree that the NAP was a good call. She could surprise again although at least this year her best times are known. She wont win though, but another interstate lady has my interest. Could push Taylor to the brink. Fast time this year.