What is wrong with that reasoning Cyc? You can't base BDM's rating based on how far those behind were. Those behind ran well below form on ground they clearly disliked. If you think they ran to form then what would you rate Chase the Spud who would have finished closer to BDM than Cue Card did? A rating of 173+ (Timeform) makes him one of the best winners ever of the race. BDM may turn out to be a superstar but before he can be rated any higher he needs to beat G1 horses, running true to their form, with the same contemptuous ease. It would also help his cause if he could do it on decent ground. Time will tell just how good he is
Just a thought Ron. Would Chase The Spud have put in the same effort if he'd been asked to go along at the same clip as those in the Chase?
Another th Another thought Cyc. He could have just run the race he did and finished ahead of Cue Card. If you are suggesting that Cue Card and co would have finished closer had they not gone the pace, (the fault of the jockeys) it would again prove they didn't run to form
I think the point is that Chase The Spud ran up to his level of ability, and BdM ran up to his, in their respective races. If you accept that, which the handicapper has, then the comparison is valid. Of course none of the handicapper's methodology is rocket science - but it does attempt scientific rigour and objectivity, and the proof is in the pudding. Aside from when an improving animal is ahead of the handicapper, how often does the OR drop an absolute bollock? Not often.
My view on Bristol de Mai is he simply handled the conditions at Haydock which was a bog and a half. The other horses hated it...even Outlander who apparently likes it really soft hated it. I think this says it all and I think the rating is sensible enough. Bristol de Mai won't get these conditions at Kempton and won't be winning the King George. NGT likens the horse to Imperial Commander who was actually pretty hopeless in the King George. As for the King George it may well cut up quite a bit...I remember this happened last year. Not sure Thistlecrack is such a strong fancy now. Other favourites in the betting may not turn up. I don't see anything wrong with lizzie Kelly' s comments. She s young and i m not one to analyse every single word she says but i m sure she could of course put it in a better way.. It will be interesting to see if they are brave enough to run Tea for two in the king george ...at what is probably the horses favourite course.
