STAWELL - Punters are in for a tough weekend in the betting ring, with Stawell bookmaker Les Montgomery saying this year's Australia Post Stawell Gift is a 'pretty open race.'
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"It looks to be an even race," Mr Montgomery said.
Who is your tip to take out the 2012 Stawell Gift? Let us know below.
Monday's historic 120 metre sprint will feature several big names as well as a couple of former winners.
Mr Montgomery has installed 2008 Stawell Gift winner Sam Jamieson and Ballarat Gift 70 metre open title winner Matt Wiltshire as equal favourites at $7.
Jamieson, who took out the Gift four years ago off six metres, has come back a metre and a quarter since then with Montgomery saying he believes Jamieson is a 'better runner now than when he won it.'
Another former winner returning to Stawell is Adrian Mott.
Mott won the 2006 Gift off seven and a quarter metres and is now coming off five, with Mr Montgomery setting his odds at $17.
Kim Collins returns to Stawell for a second year and, after having missed out on a spot in the final of last year's Stawell Gift off scratch, will run off one metre this weekend and is at $21 to win.
"I think Collins has got a job in front of him. I think he's too far back, and he'll struggle again off one metre. But then again, it depends on the times needed to make the final. You've got to have a slow times," said Mr Montgomery.
Michael Frater will be another to watch at $17, with Mr Montgomery saying he will make the final 'at best.'
The Stawell bookie said three Melbourne brothers - Matthew, Shaun and Chris Hargreaves - will be in with a chance.
"Expect money for the Hargreaves' from the (trainer) John Henry stable. All three brothers all lining up for the Gift. It is very unique - I've never seen it before," he said.
Mr Montgomery said another quiet tip around is Stuart Bainbridge from New South Wales (at $26).
Last year's winner, Mitch Williams, is returning to Stawell running off three metres - three and half quarters back from last year.
Aaron Rouge-Serret ($15) is in with a chance and Ben Weaver, a finalist in last year's event is at $21.
Mr Montgomery's picks to win the 2012 Australia Post Stawell Gift are Sam Jamieson from Matt Wiltshire, with Adrian Mott to come in third.