Returns bolt to finishing line as party end of race rushes into view

Chartist Richard Pritchard would be starting to dream a little dream as we round into the final stretch. He's kept clean air between himself and his nearest competitor, reader Tim Martin, who is putting in the hard yards but not making significant ground on the leader.

The local sharemarket trotted up 0.9 per cent and every single one of our racers, bar one notable exception, galloped well ahead of that benchmark. Oil and gas explorer and contender for lamest name award, FAR, was Richard's best stock, up 15 per cent.

Tim was similarly among the best, after NSL Consolidated surged 15 per cent, while Syrah Resources jumped double-digits. Risk is back and so fashionable it'll be on catwalks next. That left stocks like Tim's pick of Coca-Cola without an invite to the dance - it fell 4 per cent.

Medical student Alice Pearlman is staying just ahead of Doreen Daze, but within earshot of her sorcerous imprecations. Alice's picks looked pretty solid across the board, as befits the bluish tinge of her portfolio.

Dartboard has trampolined out of the basement and is now the best of the rest.

It looks to be curtains for architect Ian Burch and author Peter Jochinger, despite strong performances that put them back in the black.

Pottsy looks like he's trying to dig himself out of his hole - not the smartest strategy, but if anyone can do it, Pottsy can.