Handicapping

Haha, James Goodman interviews Colin and his solution to the issue is completely opposite to mine. Instead of abolishing handicaps, he suggests abolishing all plate races (except maidens).

I can see the logic but, despite the golf comparison mentioned above, still think it's nuts. I'm not a golfer so can't empathise but do players really feel deserving of a win when they've done so because they've been given a head start?

He also mentions the betting angle that others have mentioned; betting runs racing - plates have small 'uncompetitive' fields - smaller betting volumes - bad for racing.
I'm not convinced that's actually what would happen - turnovers dropping because there aren't any handicaps to bet on - and I always thought people loved seeing good horses win races.

Still, I accept that I'm in the minority with this view and Colin's idea is probably a good one in terms of options with a chance of being implemented. For it to work though, all features (including the July) would have to run on WFA terms so that trainers of Graded quality would not have to be concerned with picking up penalties in handicaps they might run along the way. Getting a high rating should be an objective, both in terms of pride and as a mitigating factor to qualify for the features, not something to try to avoid because you're afraid of the weight issue in the July or other other feature handicaps

Somehow I don't think we're going to see the July run at level weights any time soon.

Well Sabre,I must say that I enjoyed the interview and it gives an insight as to what is missing in racing today......he absolutely loved/s the game and that would have carried over to the way he approached his job.
However,I believe that you have to be a punter to have any idea what the punters want,and I feel that his ideas about scrapping 'plate' type races,although well meant,would have the opposite effect to his theory.I ,for one,am very unhappy with handicap after handicap and I think is detrimental to betting,over time.Turnovers have not been maintained, relatively, over the last few years.Could it coincide with punters reaction to MR perhaps? I know MR is rightfully here to stay,but does not have to be every damn race.
If you want a perfect example of 'MR' it's roulette.....37 numbers with exactly the same chance......and what sensible gambler plays roulette?