HDJ weights - a question of relativity

THE Hollywoodbets Durban July weights will be of interest this year as it will bring the question of relativity into it.

- DAVID THISELTON

Some old timers will no doubt repeat what has been said just about every season for the last dozen years, "A three-year-old can't carry that weight."

They will be referring to Eight On Eighteen having to carry 57kg, which would be the highest weight a three-year-old would have ever carried to victory in the iconic race.

Eight On Eighteen

However, Eight On Eighteen will be the best weighted runner in the field if speaking relatively.

According to the merit ratings Eight On Eighteen will be 2kg well in.

This is due to the clause in the Hollywoodbets Durban July conditions that states a three-year-old cannot carry more than 57kg.

In a true handicap, as it stands with See It Again being the topweight carrying 60kg off a 127 merit rating, Eight On Eighteen would have to carry 59kg.

To illustrate how well he is in as things stand, he will only have to give Okavango 2,5kg and Native Ruler 3kg, despite having beaten them by 4,05 and 4,30 lengths respectively on Saturday while being ridden hands and heels and being eased up before the line.

Furthermore, he will be 1kg better off with weight for age than See It Again.