Dapper Den's 2009 Binningup Open Form Guide

Market

Master Blaster (11) 3/1
Snout (8) 7/2
Long John (9) 4/1
Iron Man (13) 4/1
Pace Cracker (12) 6/1
Little Master (11) 6/1
Phantom (16) 7/1

Form Guide

Master Blaster by What’s That Falling out of The Sky

Lime green, white sling, grey cap

The Allardice stable has hit top form at the right time, snaring the quinella at last outing. Has taken time to come to hand since career threatening injury during the off season but has peaked perfectly for this. Showed at his last start that he will be a force to be reckoned with (you know, cyclone, tsunami, that sort of thing). Has home course advantage on Day 3 and will be running on. MB is the only previous winner of this event who will be going the distance this time, so history is on his side.
Enormous chance on most recent form. This is where the smart money is.

Iron Man by Emerged Unscathed o.o. Global Financial Crisis

All lime green

A maturing colt who has come on in leaps and bounds (and hooks into the scrub) in the past year. Caused an absolute boilover when last tested over the longer journey at Mornington, giving form analysts a decent dose of egg on the face (it’s hard to remove as well). Loves a trophy and has had his eye on the gold tin cup for some time. This stable is absolutely on fire as we speak and it would not surprise to see a forward showing from their second stringer.
If form is any guide (it rarely is), will be hard to beat.

Long John by Hates To Be o.o. The Winnebago

Red, white armbands, Coca Cola logo

Another one returning from a long injury lay off. It’s yet to be seen whether the old stamina has returned and whether the psychological scars of injuries have been put behind him. Nonetheless, can put a big space in the field with one almighty slog when right and has to be respected. Likely to run wide on the turns, but can cover ground and still figure in the finish.
A genuine chance.

Snout by The Bloody Camera’s o.o. Batteries

Green, green stripes, muesli armbands and collar, green cap

Was an unfortunate scratching from the Mornington marathon and may be found wanting over this journey. Form is hard to follow, with inconsistency being the key attribute. However, is a beautiful mover and this alone tends to attract support from the punters. Has been compared with some of the greats of the past, such as (Sir) Nick Faldo, but has yet to develop the required grumpy bastard killer instinct for this comparison to hold up. Was sold for a tidy sum at the WAFL Ex-umpires Assn Calcutta.
Could be the one if conditions are testing on technique.

Little Master (aka Top End Tom) by Willyeverget o.o. The Tropics

White (go figure), NT Floral Emblem, orange and black armbands, etc, etc

Has the pedigree to go over the long journey, being a three-quarter cross with former Perth Cup winner Black Tom and also distantly related to the top Italian sire Machiavelli. The usual mystery surrounds this one’s preparation, with semi-permanent/temporary, long and/or short term changes to stabling arrangements. Has been training in secret on dirt tracks so it’s hard to get a form line on this one, which is just the way he likes it. Whatever happens, there will be a good story attached to LM’s weekend, even if it’s only the probability that the locks will be changed at home when he gets back on Monday arvo.
Don’t go overboard, but don’t overlook either.

Dainty Gee (ex Big Breezy) by Can’t Stay o.o. The Back Shed

Blue gold stripes and cap. Yellow canary front and back

Some pundits are saying that Dainty is now past his best. Some consider recent up and down form to be a ploy to throw the bookies off the scent. Others couldn’t give a rats because whatever the outcome, every event needs someone to put shit on back at the stables afterwards. In all seriousness though, this distant relative of the grand old sire Walter Mitty has shown himself to be the real deal over an extended career and has to be a big chance to lead the field over the water jump on the final hole on Monday. The perennial favourite and this year is no exception.
If you want a run for your money, there’s no better bet.
PS: Won’t be playing Rounds 2 and 3 so take the above comments for what they are – a chance to take a cheap shot at the revered Pres.

The Pacecracker by Finally o.o. Thingstoinjure

Grey and white quarters, wildcat and silly cap

Another one of the host of injury prone contenders for the big prize. Seven vets and three farriers have been worn out getting this one back to the course. Connections have denied that they were all suffering from eardrumiosis. The interest in this starter lies in the anticipation – will he pig-root at the start and lose all chance or fly the gates and never be headed (or something in between)? No one knows and that’s why I recommend keeping your money well away from the mesmerising, “pick me, pick me” invitation. No pigs were injured or killed in the compilation of this form guide.
Strong each way possibility, or not, depending on the alignment of Mars and the pin on the 1st.

Scobes by Generally o.o. Control

White, red V and Mighty Bulldog. Red and white cap

Is excluded from the market due to other responsibilities taking precedence on Day 3 (has a second job as a zoo attendant and the animals will be needing his deft touch on Monday). However, it’s worth noting that on current form this former winner would have absolutely no chance even if he played an extra round. A valued roommate for Master Blaster and provider of loose change for Apres Cards. There have been reports of private meetings with Ian Baker-Finch – could Scobes be thinking of hanging up the clubs and venturing into a media role?
Retirement rumours abound. Not in the field, so no one gives a ......

Phantom by Not To Often o.o. Carnarvon

Purple, black and purple diagonal striped jacket and jocks, black goggles and cap

A low key preparation for this event, having taken the unorthodox approach of spending time on NW tracks in the early part of the season. Comes in well at the weights and over the long trip this should be an advantage. This tipster is at a loss as to how to assess the Phantom’s form, as he promises a great deal but has yet to salute in one of the big ones. Usually the subject of plenty of interest from the more adventurous punter (Pace Cracker would be likely to have a side bet). Is a bit of a roughie in the main event but is a raging hot favourite to be the first to spill a drink over the weekend.
You can, but I probably won’t.