Weight assignments
 

I am currently in HK. I am amused by the whole discussion of Havre De Gras. Here in HK the top rated horse in any race despite class rating of the race starts at 133 lbs. Actually back in early 90's here when I lived here the top weight was 140 lbs. Also in the hand kept records that I kept clearly indicated that weight difference was more meaningful in sprints versus routes which is contrary to popular thinking. I think the reason is the weight difference comes into play in the last 400 meters when a horse has to speed up, Route races are not as fast at the end of races.

I brought up the 'weight means more in sprints than routes' topic with Davidowitz Wednesday. John Nerud told ATR listeners that several years ago.