Now that the Federal Election is over (well it bloody well should be), and only 17 days until the Australasian Safari, we can all turn our attention to more important issues, such as who is going to win the Australasian Safari. As a 'one off' eight day event, hosting seventy or more riders in several classes, it's difficult to pick a winner so we'll leave that to you with the help of Transmoto's exclusive Form Guide for the top twenty chances.
Safari Stakes
JAKE SMITH Much improved since last year's win and riding for the stable with the most wins ever, the younger Smith sibling has the target on his back and looks the one to beat.
TODD SMITH Has Finke speed but experienced enough to have found the perfect pace to fill the quinella in last year's Safari. Benefited from that run and capable of going one better.
BEN GRABHAM Back to back wins in 2007/8 prove staying power and is match fit with seven-from-seven in the AORC F3 series. Looks primed for third Safari win and first for CPW stable.
ZE HELIO A 'blow in' from Brazil, but highly ranked in Baja and has Dakar form with 12th outright in 2010 so forward showing would not surprise.
SHANE DIENER Has burnt the green silks – along with a few bikes and jumping rabbits – and now with reliable Kato 690 power has skill to lead and win from in front.
ROD FAGGOTTER If there's any blue on the podium this bloke will be wearing it. Fast finishing second in 2008 after massive face deconstruction shows determination. Respect.
AJ ROBERTS Proven speedster from Hoffman stable. Recent Finke form encouraging and if map reading skills matches arrow following he should be thereabouts at finish.
MATT FISH Experienced stayer, now in production division with CPW stable and has pace to be thereabouts should leaders falter. Keep safe.
DAVID SCHWARZ Veteran with long record of success. Has speed and experience to go the distance but place chances look best in this field.
IVAN ERCEG Has staying power when not distracted by Fifi Box or Mr. Heineken. Favourite for middleweight production division and rough chance for outright podium.
WARREN STRANGE Local champion back from spell after finishing just shy of the placings in 2008. Top ten chance.
ANNIE SEEL A certainty in the fillies division for this Dakar champion but competition too strong for outright contention.
MIKE VROOM Past sprint form at Finke displayed talent but unseeded over this distance. Leave out of calculations here.
KELVIN BLAIR Outback roughie with previous form and could improve on top ten finish in 2009. Keep safe.
RICHARD MAYFIELD Back from a long spell including much recuperation and has obviously forgotten the pain. Loves chopper rides.
DAVE BEAVIS Territory toughie and best chance of the Red Centre roughies. Could improve on last year' seventh.
GARRY CONNELL Will run comfortably mid pack holding up his end of the Husaberg team. Won't trouble the leaders but a chance at the top ten.
SIMON HARSLETT There's not enough sand in the United Arab Emirates so this expat's back for another wallow in our sand. Will better last year's seventh so keep safe.
DAVE BURFORD Capable of better than midfield finish in 2009 but shouldn't trouble leaders.
ROOKIES AND DNFs There's always a bunch of enthusiasts who are back simply to finish what they started in previous years, masochists such as Glenn Brown and Darrin Appleby. Then there's those blokes going through a mid like crisis such as Garry Williams who after a career of watching others become disappointed, injured and stark raving mad wants to join them – you should know better mate - and yet others such as Brad Hillman who just want to cross the Safari off their own 'bucket list' – or Peter Costello who wants to finish in the black but will no doubt end up blue and hopefully not covered in red. But the Safari is like the Northern Territory - you'll never know until you give it a go.
