---

The pony racing season reaches it's climax this weekend with the Champion of Champions Race series.

The 12 fastest ponies over the course of the season go head-to-head in a series of races to decide the ultimate champ.

Nick De Costa's GV Colonel Spence, which has equalled the track record twice this year is the obvious favourite.

But others, like Ed Roque, who has been hot on his heels all season on GV Crystal Ball, will also be vying for the title.

The qualifiers take place on Saturday with the fastest four going all out for the title on Sunday.

There's also a full card on both days, with racing starting at midday at the Vesey Street track.

Here's a look at the 12 Champion of Champion ponies:

GV Colonel Spence

Fastest Time: 1:04

Owned by Michael De Costa and driven by Nick De Costa out of Inwood stables. A nine-year-old stallion which has broken the track record twice this year, the Colenel is the hot favourite and the fastest qualifier.

GV Crystal Ball

Fastest Time: 1:04,1

A chestnut stallion owned and driven by Ed Roque. This has been his first full season racing after injury for the past two years and will be a strong contender having broken the track record for a four year old this season

Larry L Way

Fastest Time: 1:05.1

This seven-year-old is currently the reserve fastest gelding for the season. Owned by Catrina and Aaron Sims and will be driven by E.J. Carreiro jnr.

Real Shamrock

Fastest Time: 1:05.2

A previous Champion of Champions winner from 2004, Real Shamrock has a good chance again after another fast year.

An eight-year-old black stallion, owned by Aaron and Catrina Sims this pony will be driven by Bobby DeGraff.

GV Special Wind

Fastest Time: 1:05.2

Another on the same mark as Real Shamrock, Special Wind is currently the fastest mare this season. Driven and owned by Bobby DeGraff, who has more than one contender in the line-up.

Bobby can qualify more than one horse in the heats on Saturday but he'll have to nominate a different rider if he has two horses in the finals.

Na Na Shamrock

Fastest Time: 1:05.4

This eight-year-old mare, currently the reserve fastest for the season, is another owned by Aaron and Catrina Sims out of Spicelands and will be will be driven by EJ Carreiro jnr.

Kick A Poo Brave

Fastest Time: 1:06

A chestnut stallion owned by Joseph Vieira and driven by Mark Richardson.

Hasn't had too many wins this season but has consistently put in good times and is hoping to win big on Champions day

Buffalo Soldier

Fastest Time: 1:06

Chestnut gelding driven by the busy Bobby DeGraff on Champions day. He's had a good season and this will be his first year in the showcase event.

Owned by Karen Raynor.

George Tee

Fastest Time: 1:06.2

Just outside the fastest times in the race this year, this black stallion, is owned and normally driven by Joe Correia.

Correia has brought in Mark Richardson to drive at the weekend in the hope of squeezing a bit of extra speed out of a horse that clocked 1:05.2 last season.

Happy Hank

Fastest Time: 1:06

A five-year-old black stallion driven and owned by Antwon Edwards. Another Champion of Champions debutant he's looking to surprise some of the faster ponies.

Mike's Shadow

Fastest Time: 1.06.4

Owned by Michael De Costa of Inwood stables, this black stallion will be driven by Nick De Costa.

He's an underdog in terms of his times but has won the four-year-old stakes and best three stakes so can't be underestimated.

Tux's Honor

Fastest Time: 1:06.4

Owned and driven by Joseph Vieira out of Tanglewood stables, the five-year-old mare is the outsider in terms of times.

But Vieira is an experienced driver and will be looking for an upset.[[In-content Ad]]

---