Greenlighttoheaven was gelded after his moderate effort behind Tempting Fate in two features as a two-year-old (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
In the days of yore, runners in a Novice or Graduation Plate all carried the same weights regardless of their merit ratings – MR’s none existent at the time.
One-time winners carried so much, two-time winners so much.
Andrew Harrison writes that the best rated did not always win but at least punters were served up a possible banker in their exotics and a decent horse could progress to a point where it was not ‘handicapped’ out of winning another race.
So now we have ‘Conditional’ Novice and Graduation Plates where weights are allocated according to merit rating ‘bands’.
The handicapping system in South Africa has become such a complicated affair that it is little wonder that trying to get new punters into the sport is nigh impossible.
One needs a 500-page manual to explain handicapping and by the time that you have got past page three, the interest is lost. So too all the betting options.
Try and explain to first time racegoers all of their options as to having a bet and you have lost them inside the first five minutes. Believe me, I have tried!
This is all hot air that will no doubt be blown into the wind but the authorities would do well to revert to KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) if they plan to attract new betting clients.
So, we have a Conditional Novice heading up the card at Hollywoodbets Greyville today where Greenlighttoheaven, because of his rating, has to give all except Brass Bell weight.
His current form is hardly inspiring but his handicap rating suggests that he is the best horse in the race by 4,5 kg.
Smart Winning Form tipster James Rich has him to win but the Winning Form Computaform ratings have him finishing 7.6 lengths behind top rated Brass Bell.
Greenlighttoheaven was gelded after his moderate effort behind Tempting Fate in two features as a two-year-old and may well justify his ‘handicap’, but why should he have to do it by giving weight to the majority of his rivals? A Novice, no longer Plate, is a race for one-time winners.
So, this is an open race.
Greenlighttoheaven contested the top juvenile features last season and although never in the hunt he did show promise in a smart debut win.
He may just have needed his latest after gelding and the step up in trip should suit. Bassam has his first run for a new stable and he boasts consistent Highveld form and must have a shout in this company.
Of the balance, White Cedar ran below best last start after two smart previous showings. He goes well over course and distance while Gardenia drifted in the betting on debut but won with authority. She takes on males but looks smart.
Avenir is another to consider after showing up well in both starts and although taking on stronger, he does look progressive and recent maiden winner Spydas Corner, who comes from an in-form stable, warrants serious consideration given that he gets weight from all and looks way better than his handicap rating.
Go figure.
