Recently, numerous people have asked me questions around Speed/Performance Ratings. In this article, I explain the broader approach to Performance Ratings, using an example from Champions Day. Check it out below! ⬇️

The R75 (R1) was run at a sedate tempo, which affected the overall time, but I agree regarding Shalabiya. The Maiden (R2) rated 3.9L above standard, with Shalabiya running to a 90 Performance Rating. For context, that 90 sits right up there with the best figures recorded by a Maiden winner in the past 12 months — and she did it on debut. Obviously, the winning margin was impressive, but so too was the manner of the performance. She jumped from a wide gate, showed enough early speed to lead, then when others pushed forward, the filly had the race sense to take a sit and settle before producing a sharp turn of foot. She was arguably still full of running through the line, too. I find start number two usually reveals a lot more, so all eyes will be on what she does next time out, but even though it’s very early in the season, she has fired the first serious shot in the 3YO ranks — and it was an impressive one.

Winter is officially here…so I’ve decided to dive into some stats and understand the best wet tracks sires in NZ ⬇️

My review from @Ellerslie_Races on the weekend... • Incandescent took out the feature, but how did he rate compared to previous Champagne winners? + more ⬇️

Inside barriers were Gold today at Royal Riverton. Barrier 1 = 5 winners and barrier 2 = 2 winners. History shows that Monday/Day 2 evens out.