ONCE?AGAIN?the BTC’s rating system is on the tip of the tongues of racing enthusiasts.Since its implementation in 2009, no explanation has been given as to how this new system worksto benefit all and most importantly to keep the races competitive.
The latest points allocated for the fifth race day of the second racing season is testimony that this system is clearly not being utilized efficiently. There is no clarity or consistency which must be worrying for owners, trainers and is also confusing for the public who are trying to gauge the performances of their favourite animals.
Before I get to the latest points allocated l am going to make mention of a few scenarios which have played out since 2009. Last year’s Derby saw the Fay Browne-owned Sail On run the favourite Kendal Moon to the narrowest of head in a gallant effort.
Before that effort Sail On handed in his maiden certificate by winning a 1 100-metre event. It should also be noted that he did not compete in any of the previous classics.
For that effort he was moved a whopping 22 points from 64 to 86. In his next two starts, he trailed in at the back beaten by 40 ¾ lengths. In this year’s Gold Cup, the winner, Dancin David, started at a rating of 90 and after winning the Gold Cup he moved 15 points. Dancin David duly won the Lost In The Fog Handicap for horses rated 115-140 over 1 800 metres.
In this race, Daga took second and like the winner she was handicapped at 114 pounds. The final results showed Apostle who carried 125 pounds and Show Me The Money (130 pounds) finishing third and fourth respectively. As a result of these placings they were dropped an amazing nine points each for their efforts. Unbelievable!
Now to the real issue. This year’s Derby is less than a month away and anyone looking at the present ratings will be shocked. The obvious question is how can the Lord Michael Taylor-owned Rickoshey (79) be the highest rated locally bred three-year-old in the country?
What has he done? Let’s take a look. From eight starts he won the Diamonds International Mont Blanc Meisterstuck Stakes and Trophy for West Indian-bred two-year old colts and geldings over 1 000 metres in December 2011. He also has three seconds and one fourth recorded against his name.
Rickoshey placed fourth in the BTBA Breeders’ Stakes and was unplaced in the MPMH Breeders’ Stakes both Grade II races. The record of Aston Martin who is currently rated 78, reflects eight starts with four wins namely the Kathleen Taylor Memorial Stakes over 1 100 metres and the Grade 1 Diamonds International Mont Blanc Challenge Series Stakes both in 2011.
He also took the BTBA Breeders’ Stakes and the Barbados Guineas Grade I, with his last three victories all over 1 570 metres. Those victories were followed by two seconds and two thirds. Having defeated Rickoshey in three of their four meetings this Victor Cheeseman-trained colt has clearly suffered at the hands of those responsible for the rating system.