The Benchmark Handicap ratings should be the first point of reference when assessing a set-weight race and the ratings reveal a standout bet at Taree on Friday.
Set-weight races – generally called Plates in NSW - give punters a head start with the Handicapper unable to work his craft and with two benchmark points the equivalent of 1kg often horses are considerably advantaged.
SARAJEVO (Race 6 No 2)
The Kris Lees-trained Sarajevo carries a NSW benchmark rating of 78 into the USU Picnic Day Class 2 Plate (1257m), 12 points superior to his closest rival in terms of ratings, Pacific Reign from the David Atkins stable.
What does all this mean?
If Friday’s race was a class 2 handicap as distinct from a class two plate Sarajevo would be required to give Pacific Reign 6kg but they meet on level terms under the race conditions.
Benchmark ratings are an assessment over time of a horse’s performance and it is doubtful Sarajevo is racing up to his best with his rating in decline from the 86 mark he touched taking on the likes of Speith and Kaepernick in the Listed 2016 City Tatts Club Lightning.
Sarajevo has contested class three plates at Doomben and the Gold Coast in his two runs back from a spell and whilst well beaten they still looks strong form references for a Taree class two.
Sarajevo looks a weight special.
SAINT DENIS (Race 1 No 1)
Saint Denis was formerly trained by John Sargent and will be having his third run for Port Macquarie trainer John Sprague in the United We Stand Maiden Handicap (1411m).
Saint Denis finished in the placings in three of his seven starts for Sargent, all in provincial grade and has been in the money both runs for the new stable finishing a close second at Cessnock over 1350m on September 25 before having no luck when third at Port Macquarie last start when back to 1200m.
The 1411m looks perfect for Saint Denis and the four-year-old won’t get a better chance to record a maiden win.
PEL (Race 8 No 2)
Winning form is the best form and that’s the case with the Pat Farrell-trained Pel which is chasing back-to-back wins in the Pittwater Enterprises Benchmark 60 Handicap (1007m).
Pel is somewhat of a short course specialist with her four career wins from 13 starts all coming in the 800m to 1000m distance range including a Muswellbrook benchmark 64 victory last start when she out-sped her rivals leading all the way.
Pel must lump an additional 4.5kg on Friday but the weight increase is offset with Pel taking on weaker company at benchmark 60 level.
Drawn perfectly in barrier three. Pel looks too quick for her rivals again on Friday.
