WSB LISTED EAST CAPE DERBY

Machete Man has had his rating raised from 86 to 95 after he landed the Listed WSB East Cape Derby over 2200m on the Polytrack at Fairview on Friday.

The race had been intended for 2400m on the grass course the previous Friday, but most of that meeting was abandoned owing to inclement weather.

The Handicappers were of the view that 6th placed Zatara Magic made for the most suitable line horse, which leaves him unchanged on a mark of 91.

Runner-up Quasimodo has had his rating elevated from 80 to 94. Quasimodo had in fact achieved a rating of 92 when finishing fourth in his previous start, but no ratings increase for placed horses was allowed in that race and so Quasimodo remained on a mark of 80 for the Derby, where he confirmed that performance and where his rating can now be raised to what he actually achieved.

There were increases also for 3rd placed Heathcliff, who is up from 92 to 94, while 4th finisher Cherry Ano is up from 88 to 93. No horses were given a rating’s drop from this race.

Media release by NHA on Tuesday 23 May 2023.