Just listened to the FFP on my commute. Blake and Delargy have a theory on why those towards the top of the weights appear to have a decent recent record in the handicaps, and it all comes down to the over rating of average horses.
It seems right on the money for me.
Just listened to this and think that's a really good take. Makes a lot of sense.
Usually not soon after the weights are out we get the expected cut off points for each race. has anyone seen any yet or have an idea?
(I tend to loosely go with no lower than the previous year as a starting point)
Here's the mark needed for each race over the last 5 years: (2017 / 2016 / 2015 / 2014 / 2013)
Ultima = 134 / 131 / 133 / 129 / 132
Close Brothers = 137 / 136 / 135 / 131 / 132
Coral Cup = 138 / 139 / 138 / 137 / 134
Fred Winter = 124 / 128 / 129 / 127 / 124
Pertemps = 137 / 135 / 135 / 135 / 135
Plate = 133 / 135 / 137 / 131 / 135
Kim Muir = 133 / 134 / 130 / 131 / 129
County = 134 / 138 / 134 / 132 / 132
Martin Pipe = 135 / 135 / 135 / 133 / 132
Grand Annual = 135 / 137 / 137 / 136 / 134
The only snippet i've seen so far is:
Ultima may be 138 (Phil Smith)
Close Brothers may be 140 (Phil Smith)
Kim Muir - Squout... 50/50 to get in so suggests around 134?