Racing: Youngsters impress senior handicapper

Senior handicapper Dean Nowell has rated last season's 2 and 3-year-olds as the best for some years.

"I think the 3-year-olds were well above average and the best crop we have had for a long time," Nowell said. "The top seven or eight horses were all very smart."
Nowell's ratings are reflected in the New Zealand Free Handicaps. The Free Handicaps are an academic exercise to rate the top 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds but carry significant influence as they are recognised internationally.

Among the 3-year-olds, Nowell accorded New Zealand Derby winner Xcellent the topweight of 60.5kg in the 1600m and beyond section, while filly Justa Tad heads the up to 1600m category with 59.5kg. She has 1kg less in the longer distance category.

Nowell said Xcellent's win in the group one weight-for-age Darley Stakes swayed him in giving the Pentire gelding the top rating.

"It is a long time since I have seen a weight-for-age race won with such ease, particularly by a 3-year-old," he said. "He won four out of four in New Zealand and to win the derby at his third start was an incredible effort."

Nowell said Xcellent's failure in the AJC Derby when he didn't handle the wet ground did not lessen his opinion of the horse.

"I'm not taking anything away from Justa Tad. She was a very good filly and raced well throughout the season."

Nowell rated Justa Tad higher in the up to 1600m category on the strength of her One Thousand Guineas win.

Xcellent's rating of 60.5kg is the most given to a staying three-year-old since Tycoon Lil and Zonda were each given 61kg in the 1997-98 season. In the 2003-2004 season, King's Chapel received 61.5kg over the shorter journey.

Nowell was also impressed by the 2-year-olds where just 1.5kg separates the top four horses.

Darci Brahma heads the list with 60.5kg - the highest rating for a 2-year-old since Ballybrit received 62kg in the 1975-76 season.

Darci Brahma, a Danehill colt, capped his season by winning the group one T J Smith Stakes (1600m) in Brisbane.

Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes winner Kindacross is rated just 0.5kg inferior with 1kg back to crack filly Mi Jubilee and Wahid.

- NZPA