Form Guide: Race 2 PORT VILA STAKES

Evening all.  Rumour has it that the blog is being well received so I have decided to work on the form guide for race 2.  Race 2 may not be filled with the high profile performers but it will be competitive with reliability a common theme and guaranteed to entertain all spectators.  Expect all six starters to be spotted around the bar most days.  In the next few days I will also include some posts about some of the sightseeing that is available in Vanuatu for those families looking to spend a few days off the island.

PORT VILLA STAKES

1. SHELLIE STORM  Shellie Storm is one highly competitive character who will not turn up unless she can win.  Expect her to feature strong in pool volley ball, beach cricket, golf and bar drinking.    Shellie would line up at ticketmaster for three days to get front row tickets to watch to two snails race.  She is smart and won't make the rookie error of going out too hard too early.  She will be the quiet achiever who will run at the back of the pack until the finish line is in sight and then she'll make her dash.  Unlikely to run everyday but when she does watch out.   This book keeper should keep the book makers busy unless she manages to keep under the radar.  Shellie is likely to head to the mainland for the odd game of golf.  Shellie shares a stable with her husband Ash who will run in the main race and will also travel with her two boys, Liam (13) and Cam (10).  Shellie coaches Jett and Cam's premiership basketball team.  Jett and Cam also play footy together.

2. IAN KING Ian King is definitely one that might fly under the radar early but a few days in and he is likely to be tough to beat.  Well trained, this experienced campaigner has has to be considered a strong candidate and will be reliable in all conditions.  More likely to feature well in the longer distance races.  Ian will not only entertain on the track he is guaranteed to provide many a laugh to those around the pool.  Expect to see him near the pool bar most days with his dry sense of humour entertaining many.  Definitely a contender to take out the big prize.  Ian has his own business and will be at his best enjoying time away from the pressure and stress of work.  Ian shares a stable with his wife Sue and they will be travelling with two of their four children, Maddy (Madeline) 14 and Montanna 10.  Montanna goes to school with Jett.

3. GARY CHAPEL Gaz has been racing for many years and always gives the placings a shake.  Definitely a thoroughbred don't let age fool you, he knows what it takes.  This campaigner will be strong from start to finish.  Not flashy he will draw little attention to himself and will be hard to pick how much he has had.  If races are won on volume, he will take it out without so much as a wobble.  Gary will usually be found with Laz within a 30 second radius of the pool bar.  The perfect gentleman, Gary will always have a smile on his face and enjoy a chat with anyone.  Gary will be sharing a stable with his partner Bronwyn and will usually be found with their stable neighbours and regular travel  companions, Carol and Larry Mehegan.  Gary is a family friend of Jenelle.

4,  LYNDALL COWLEY was picked up from the scrap auctions a little while back but a bit of recent heavy training and she is on fire!  Previously having performed well in little more than a couple of minor placings in some small country meets she would have been given no chance in Vanuatu.  That is until she recently began training with her mate Thea.  One would suspect if she continues on current form she may get promoted as the only filly in the main race.  Lyndall is definitely one to get on early while she is paying well and before the secret gets out.  If she is paying anything more than 5/1 I'd be risking my house with the book makers.  This medical doctor sure knows how to party and once the kids are in bed she is likely to be last up.  Be warned this girl is one to watch guaranteed laughs. Lyndall is sharing a stable with her husband Richard and their three kids, Mia 10, Theo 8 and Spencer 4.  Jett went to school with Mia until a recent property move.

5. JODIE KIST Jodie is definitely the smallest horse to making the trip to the Vanuatu track but she will carry as much weight as her heavier counterparts and still give it a shake.  Definitely not an early sprinter she will be right up there at the end and if she doesn't get distracted by a dance floor she should certainly get a place.  Jodie has also recently returned from an overseas group birthday celebration and is likely to know how to race.  Jodie will share a stable with her husband Mick and their two sons, Jack 13 and Josh 10.  Josh plays basketball and footy with Jett.  A childcare worker in the kinder room it would seem both kinder teachers, Jodie and Zinnia Hardiman are both married to Micks!  What is with that? Jodie is team manager for the boys footy team and awesome on the email.  There is evidence that she doesn't sleep so don't give her your email address or if you do turn off notifications overnight unless you want to receive emails at 3am.

6. SIMON DALZIEL Definitely a quiet achiever, Simon will give a solid and strong performance and will be at his best if he is required to back it up in sequential days.  Simon has the ability to mix it with the big guns and go unnoticed with the spot light heavily on his stable mate and main race contender, his wife Paula. Having recently changed jobs he trained hard in the gym during the break in between and for this reason could really give the race a shake.  Definitely don't disregard Simon as a possible race winner.   Simon will give Gary a run for his money as to who smiles more and will win over all  male and female alike with his likeable personality.  Unlikely to offend anyone he will be loved by all.  Simon will be sharing a stable with his Paula and their two boys, Kane 10 and Jacob 7.  Kane goes to school and plays footy with Jett.