Prior to the Cape Guineas Roman Manner was rated 89 and Power King was rated 87.
In the Cape Guineas, at level weights, they almost dead-heated, Power King just putting his nose in front of his stable companion. They certainly showed level merit. But wait, someone decreed that in terms of handicapping guideline no 5:
Grade 1 & 2 races – Upward Adjustment to first 5 finishers only
Power King finished 5th and was subsequently raised a whopping 15 points to 102. Roman Manner finished 6th, therefore “in terms of the rules”, no adjustment, he stays 89!
So despite Power King coming into the race rated lower than Roman Manner and finishing level with him (at level weights) he is now rated 13 points higher. If they meet in a handicap tomorrow, Power King will have to concede 6.5 kg to a horse he almost dead-heated with at level weights! Are these “ratings of merit” which give every horse an equal chance? How much longer must we put up with this insanity?
PS: As it is, they are both eligible run next in the Politician Stakes on 11 January, (“Derby Trial”). In terms of the race conditions (based on their current respective ratings), Power King will carry 58kgs, while Roman Manner will carry 53,5kgs. Go figure!
Via email – Jehan Malherbe
