August is the month when the official handicapper for the first time publishes ratings for the new crop of 3yo’s.
![Always In Charge](https://www.sportingpost.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Always-In-Charge.jpg)
Always In Charge, winner of the Gr1 Gold Medallion, is the highest rated of the new crop of 3yo’s on MR 108
It’s great food for thought and discussion, and interesting to compare with the 2016 Equus nominees.
On Merit Ratings the 3yo colts & geldings are headed by Gr1 Gold Medallion winner Always In Charge, rated 108.
One year ago, that honour fell to Gr1 Premier’s Champion Stakes winner Rabada, with MR 111.
There are seven rated MR 100 or more, of which six are stakes winners – Jiffy (103) is the odd one out.
![Querari-Falcon](https://www.sportingpost.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Querari-Falcon.jpg)
Querari Falcon – top rated
The 3yo fillies make for a closely rated bunch.
Querari Falcon (MR 100) is one point ahead of four others on MR 99, with another seven fillies 5 points or less behind the leader.
Querari Falcon won the Gr1 Thekwini Stakes. All four of her closest pursuers are stakes winners.
Last year the pack leader was Entisaar on MR 107, from Princess Royal (105).
For comparison, shown below are the MR’s for the older generations as well, split by sex, with their sires, dams, broodmare sires, and breeders.
The highest rated colt/gelding and filly both were 4yo’s, with ratings of MR121.
![Talktothestars](https://www.sportingpost.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Talktothestars.jpg)
Talktothestars – won Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint
Talktothestars earned his rating by winning the Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint at Scottsville, carrying topweight in fast time.
The highest rated female was Smart Call, whose MR 121 came following her victory over Legal Eagle in the Gr1 J&B Met.
Smart Call was subsequently exported, and is no longer listed locally – she would have topped the 5yo mares, ahead of Carry On Alice (114) and Inara (111).
Let’s get the discussion going – here’s the listing of the best of all ages…