CARSON Kressley is in Melbourne talking fashion. Rob ‘Millsy’ Mills makes his annual appearance in the gossip columns. Brendan and Alex Fevola are fighting in the Birdcage. This can only mean one thing: Spring Racing Carnival.

Don't get me wrong, I love the ponies (like I need an excuse to check out this season’s fillies?) But I’m not huge on reading a telephone book equivalent of horse stuff in our papers daily. Even the Myer vs. David Jones store war is getting a bit tired...it’s Jennifer Hawkins by a clear three lengths.

Why don’t the papers tell us what we really want to know? Like how Evan’s right hammy pulled up. Will Ney play off the bench this week? What’s this mystery virus going through the squad? I hope Nick hasn’t been sharing his drink bottle around...

What about Carlos and his quad, is he even a remote chance for Saturday? Thank God for Pippinu and his training update. Anyway, I could bang on about skinny print coverage forever and perhaps it’s a beef for another blog. So rather than fight the Carnival spirit, I thought I’d embrace it and give my own version of an A-League Spring Form Guide.

Melbourne Victory (5W 2D 3L)
Classy Victorian thoroughbred that started season brightly with three wins from its first four starts. Loyal punters were disappointed for a spell when failing to flatter after key personnel were banned from the stable for poor discipline. Last outing turned in an improved performance, coming from behind in the final furlong to beat a tough Adelaide opponent who controlled the race from the front. Meets a strong Queensland runner this week. Rate highly.

Adelaide United (5W 2D 3L)
Experienced South Australian stayer with an eye on international success this season. Conceding a start in next outing against a tough Japanese runner but will look to improve with it all on the line. Capable type but an outside chance only.

Sydney FC (4W 4D 2L)
A favourite of the Lowy stable, this flashy Sydney filly started strongly last outing before faltering at the winning post. Struggling for consistency and faces a stiff test against a Kiwi mare looking for respect. Home track should suit and look for an improved showing.

Queensland Roar (4W 3D 3L)
In-form galloper with impressive away wins in last two starts. Likely to start brightly but there looks to be a little more depth against this Victorian champion. Place only.

Central Coast Mariners (3W 5D 2L)
Powerful runner who bolted in at Gosford five runs back. Since then has battled to assert winning form on the track despite a fighting performance last start. Minor claims against a possibly tired Adelaide opponent.

Newcastle Jets (2W 4D 4L)
A champion last season but hard to have confidence in this runner that really looks a few lengths off the pace and dealing with the loss of key personnel. One more chance.

Perth Glory (3W 1D 6D)
One pacer who races well in Perth, with all three wins coming from its home track. Include in multiples.

Wellington Phoenix (2W 3D 5L)
Backmarker who has worked hard this season to find a win. Rising in class against this Sydney filly and will need to improve sharply to claim this. Likely to be conceding a start. Roughie chance.

* Mid-season report card: We’re basically half way through the season and I’d be interested to hear your views on how the Victory is travelling. Will we maintain our lead or is there a bolter in the pack?

Tristram is a Victory fan and wishes he could say that a knee injury curtailed his promising football career.