These two measures, along with a healthy increase in prize-money, have had a galvanising effect on the race. Although the handicap for this race is not produced specifically from official BHA ratings (BHA head of handicapping, Phil Smith, produces bespoke ratings for this race) it is clear to see that the deadwood runners of previous years are nowhere to be found. Back in 1999 Back Bar ran in the race from 32lbs out of the handicap, this year the bottom-weighted horses had to be rated 5lbs above the minimum threshold to even get a run a in the race. The positive effect on the race has been that no-hopers, who posed a genuine risk to themselves and others, have been replaced with horses who are real contenders.
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