The running has been in circles, as well as heavy and tired of late and unfortunately prices decidedly poor.

Confusion in the mounting yard has been caused with some horses seen to kick like mules, forcing contenders to race off in all directions and punters fleeing to safer, more profitable pursuits.

Commentators believe better choices have been made in the past, while others suggest they may be the cause of recent bad form rather than its cure.

Either way, performance and growth has been hindered and the ability to rebuild a once great industry seriously questioned.

New technology has injected some life into the stakes, unfortunately it did get under the skin of a few players who haven't been seen dead or alive recently.

Needle-less to say, punters are desperate for a win in wool’s desperation stakes, to be run before the 2010 deadline.

You have to be in it to help win it and to assist your choice, here is the present betting and form of each.

One can only hope all contenders run the same way when it matters most.

BRIAN VAN ROOYEN: South African born stayer, a strong performer and a known quantity over many years and is expected to run strongly. Has put in a lot of trackwork in recent months. Has led from the front as others have broken away. Equal favourite. 2:1.

LAURENCE MODIANO: London based galloper of some pedigree with international connections from around the globe. Outspoken in the lead up, will finish strongly by splitting the field. Equal favourite. 2:1.

CHRIS ABELL: Long time racer who has delivered some clipped results behind the scenes. Institutional and South Australian connections expected to back him. Will inject some fire into the race but punters may have started to lose faith. 5:1.

JOHN KENIRY: Punters have known and backed this corporate favourite for many years. Well bred and fed through industry connections over that time and could be a dark horse around the back of the back. The only question is whether punters still believe. 6:1.