The mares program has undoubtedly improved the quality of mares in training, but to remove the allowance off the back of just 3 top class mares seems counter productive to the objectives of the mares program.
They might not need the allowance, but every other mare in training appears to, and you can’t let a minuscule percentage dictate to the vast majority.
The Grade 1s should be about finding out who is the best horse. Riders can't use their claim in graded races so I don't think horses should get one either.
I wonder how they decided on 7lb and whether this is reviewed at any point?
They could always run in the Mares race if they don't fancy their chances off levels![]()
Just remove them for grade 1s. 3lb for a group2 and 5lb group3 all other races get 7lb, problem solved!
What have I started!! I don't want the 7lb allowance to go. Easy pickings for us punters !
You've opened up pandora's box ! :biggrin-new:
Shut it quickly please or else my Honeysuckle may have to work harder for a repeat !
I think she may have to work hard to beat Ferny Hollow if he is fit and well and connections target this race. I was looking at the times for the Supreme and the Champion Hurdle and Appreciate it (who was not extended) clocked the same time as Sharjah (carried 3lb more than Appreciate it). Given Ferny Hollow is a couple of lengths superior to Appreciate It, is it that far fetched to see an improvement in Ferny Hollow and see him running the mare close? I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts.
I think she may have to work hard to beat Ferny Hollow if he is fit and well and connections target this race. I was looking at the times for the Supreme and the Champion Hurdle and Appreciate it (who was not extended) clocked the same time as Sharjah (carried 3lb more than Appreciate it). Given Ferny Hollow is a couple of lengths superior to Appreciate It, is it that far fetched to see an improvement in Ferny Hollow and see him running the mare close? I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts.
I think she may have to work hard to beat Ferny Hollow if he is fit and well and connections target this race. I was looking at the times for the Supreme and the Champion Hurdle and Appreciate it (who was not extended) clocked the same time as Sharjah (carried 3lb more than Appreciate it). Given Ferny Hollow is a couple of lengths superior to Appreciate It, is it that far fetched to see an improvement in Ferny Hollow and see him running the mare close? I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts.
My diary doesn’t get much traffic (understandably), but I mentioned James Du Berlais earlier in the week.
IMO he will go Marsh and have backed accordingly (albeit, with Free Bets)
Hi Ice. He did beat the mighty Bobby O on his one and only run over hurdles before suffering the stress fracture so I would be hopeful he would be as good or maybe better over timber. I agree that he could go over fences (I have backed him at big odds for the Arkle just in case) but recent noises from Ruby suggests they 'may' consider keeping him over hurdles for another year.