120m Open Nippys Loxton Gift – Top Ten Chances
Jarrad Dartnall
A 23 year old athlete who made this final twice, finishing 5th in 2005 behind Robbie James and 6th in 2006 behind Bradley Letton. In career best form this season, having won the 2009 Bay Sheffield 120m Restricted and 300m Open races at Reynella and Marion. In this up to his eyeballs.
Ryan Hancock
The son of multiple Bay Sheffield finalist Gary Hancock who is making a name for himself. A placegetter in the 2008 Bay Sheffield who has also been 3rd in the Nippys Loxton Gift in 2006 off 10.5m, 4th in 2007 off 9.5m and 3rd in last year’s final off 9.0m. Around the traps this season without winning but it would be no surprise if he has earmarked this race. Keep safe.
Robbie James
The Nippys Loxton Gift champ of 2005 (12.55secs off 7.5m) who is in red hot form this season. Unlucky not to be crowned a Bay Sheffield winner after hitting the front in the 123rd running of that race with 20 metres to go before being beaten on the line by Russell Scott. Had previously won the Mort Daly and Glenelg Gifts and has since won the Camden Classic Skins event. Is the current South Australian 100m State Champion and will be extremely hard to beat in this. Huge threat.
Ben Koschade
One of three former winners of this race looking for further glory. Won the 2008 running of the Nippys Loxton Gift, winning in 12.89secs off 7.75m. Ran a decent race over 400m at the recent Camden Classic Carnival, finishing 2nd in the Consolation final, suggesting he is starting to hit top gear. You never know.
Ryan Rossouw
Blessed with talent but is yet to win an Open sprint despite being close up on several occasions. Narrowly missed a place in the 2009 Bay Sheffield final off 8.0m (running 12.33secs) and only has to have kept that form up to be a massive chance in this. Sure to give a good account of himself.
Russell Scott
This season’s Bay Sheffield champion who has been a regular visitor to Loxton throughout his five year athletics career. Was cruelly denied a place in the 2007 Nippys Loxton Gift final after being disqualified for not breasting the tape properly in his semi-final but ran in last year’s final, ending up 4th off 8.0m. Has to cope with a handicap readjustment as all Bay Sheffield winners do but he won’t disgrace himself.
Andrew Steele
The 2004 Coopers Bay Sheffield winner, holding off a fast-finishing Joshua Ross when starting off 9.25m. Has a tremendous record in this race, finishing 5th in 2002 behind Shaun Walker. 3rd in 2008 behind Ben Koschade and was runner up to Leon Burckhardt in last year’s final off 6.25m before going on to run 4th in the famous Stawell Easter Gift. Nothing significant to note from the current season but is too good to totally dismiss.
Stephan Thiel
On fire this season, having won Gifts at Port Adelaide, Reynella and Camden, the last win being in 12.57secs off 9.5m. This would be his greatest achievement but there is no doubt he is up to the task. If anyone beats him, they will win. One of the clear favourites.
Ira Thomson
A Canadian athlete who is spending some time with the successful Paul Young training squad while in Australia. Close up in his Bay Sheffield semi-final before going on to win the 2010 Marion Australia Day Gift (12.66secs off 6.5m). He gives every indication is that he is a sure thing to at least make this final and is likely to be heavily supported to take this out. Yes.
Damian Tohl
Created history in 2007 when he became the first son of a Bay Sheffield champion to add his name to the long list of winners. 5th in last year’s final off 7.5m which indicated he is up to the task of competing with a reduced handicap. Had some injury concerns at the recent Camden Classic Carnival but he is capable of still being in the mix at his best.