The Women's 120m holds a fair bit of intrigue and maybe a case of the nerves for a couple of women. Let's hope that those competing in the 120m do not get permission to run in the 400m this year or worse yet to scratch. Let's move on.
Jessica Payne 2m 10% - 'Feel the' Payne will be Payne 'ful' in this race. Why she will win - We have seen that she has become one of our quality athletes and the small handicap is no hindrance for her. Will storm home in this one, especially if the track is similar to previous years. Why she will not win - tight mark. Not many women can win off this kind of mark if the pace is on. She can also judge her race from back there. Verdict - final
Amie Mittiga 5.25m 22% - Why she will win - One of the biggest favourites in poll history. Believe me, I checked my records. There has been much talk about her ability and mark. If she runs she wins. Why she will not win - She doesn't want to. She has probably come across with another South Aussie who is a chance. She may get a little lift if the handicapper is watching. Or maybe a nice lift if he is not watching. She may leave this one for someone else. Verdict - must final
Taylah Perry 7.5m 14% - Why she will win - The pint sized Perry showed she has some speed back with her win at Geelong. She beat home a Stawell 70m favourite who thinks he has enough. With those little legs pumping she will gain ground quickly on those who build into their speed. This pressure may be too much for some. Why she will not win - She has won a few big races with Stonnington being the biggest. Another year of ducking and weaving could put her into favouritism for Stawell in my books. If she picks up a bonus metre early next year the damage could be done. Verdict - Final
Michelle Young 16.5m / Jessica Farrugia 17.25m - 8% - I will start with Farrugia because I do not think the votes are for her. I do not recall seeing her run out a 120m race with the command she would need to win here. Young, Why she will win - she has been close most weeks. Narrowly going down a few times this season. Is she the next one to hang on from the front? She also will not be any kind of chance at Stawell so does not have that pressure in the back of her mind. Why she will not win - If one of the others let go. Verdict - Winner
Good luck