Finish line in sight for cup

The leaders have hit the long straight and are making their charge for home, with the field spread right across the track in the race for the COVID Cup.

The long run in the mock vaccination race between Wimmera-mallee towns has proven tough for some and the extreme shuffling of positions has been unheralded.

New race leader Kaniva has burst away with 90 percent of the town having its second dose against COVID-19.

Early race favourite Birchip is floundering but holding second place with 82 percent at second dose, while Miram and Watchem have stormed into contention with 81 percent.

At 80 percent second dose, St Arnaud, Beulah, Speed and Charlton are also making bids in the run for home.

The region’s most famous racing town Stawell is doing the best of the big-town performers with 78 percent at second dose.

Chief ‘stipendiary steward’ Dr Rob Grenfell had to assess circumstances after claims around incorrect positions for several towns last week.

But he said he was now more confident of standings.

“There was a good deal of head-scratching over last figures for the race that starts the nation, but we are booting these towns home now,” he said.

“Punters should know that I am aware of some big dose-two clinics going on this week, which will boost places such as Harrow into the leaders’ pack. So timing of the run is everything.”

The COVID Cup concept, designed to add levity to the serious issue of vaccination and tapping into western Victoria’s love of competition, has generated national media interest.

Vaccination figures, October 31: Kaniva first dose 100 percent; 90 second dose; Birchip 90, 82; Miram 94, 81; Watchem 90, 81; St Arnaud 94, 80; Beulah 90, 80; Speed 89, 80; Charlton 90, 80; Rainbow 87, 78; Hopetoun 85, 78; Stawell 92, 78; Wycheproof 83, 76; Harrow 86, 75; Murtoa 90, 74; Warracknbeal 82, 73; Rupanyup 86, 73; Nhill 83, 73; Minyip 87, 72; Woomelang 83, 72; Donald 80, 71; Patchewollock 85, 70; Dimboola 81, 70; Great Western 82, 70; Ararat 83, 69; Elmhurst 77, 69; Marnoo 84, 69; Goroke 93, 67; Apsley 83, 67; Lake Bolac 81, 67; Natimuk 80, 67; Jeparit 77, 66; Edenhope 79, 64; Horsham 72, 64; Pomonal 72, 63; Halls Gap 72, 63; Lascelles 68, 61; Horsham district 72, 60; Willaura 70, 59; Brim 69, 58; Glenorchy 69, 58; Dadswells Bridge 69, 58; Serviceton 66, 54; Minimay 54, 47; Tempy 44, 34.