REASSESSMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 12, 14 July 1939, Page 13

REASSESSMENTS

POSITION OF PARISIENNE

(By, "Ariki Toa.")

At the conclusion. of each, lightharness season the handicapping committee of the New Zealand Trotting Association delves into the question of reassessments, with a view to lengthening the limits of many horses not equal, to possessing a fair chance from their present handicap, and the marks for the new season were recently released.

Naturally the reshuffling extends the earning power in a number of instances, but on the other hand the system does not apply equally. Several of the better-class pacers have received a. decided benefit under this system, but at least in one instance it does liot appear to have been operated fairly.

Take the case of Parisienne. Undoubtedly the best pacing mare ever bred in the Dominion, her earning power has been restricted owing to her tight assessment, and judging^ by the mark allotted her next term her tasks are not going to be any easier. At the Inter-Dominion Championships in 1938 Parisienne won the blue riband from Pot Luck, with the latter receiving a concession, of 12y05.. "No doubt in the interim Parisienne .has won on more occasions than Pot Luck, but it .seems .difficult to reconcile the view of the handicapping committee to the fact that Parisienne will meet Pot Luck on 24yds worse terms next season.

Pot Luck, even though winning a race during the past twelve months, has been let out from a 4.22 mark over two miles to 4.25, and with, what object? Whereas Parisienne, Lucky Jack, and Pot Luck competed on even- terms earlier in the year, Parisienne now concedes Pot Luck 36yds and Lucky Jack 12yds over this particular distance.. It seems ia decided hardship that she should have her future cramped by an adjustment of the handicapping, system which has found it imperative to eliminat _■ certain defects and anomalies that have occurred from time" to time.- -; -..'•. v > ■•.' ...'■■,■;■ .'■ ■

Among the high-class performers to benefit, from a liberal concession is Indianapolis, who has had his marks extended over all distances. . During the past twelve months he has been handicapped on a 4.20 mark, but from next month he: will be assessed at a 4.22 rate, which creates the impression that he would require to be only: a shadow of his former brilliant self, to make matters interesting in all classes of races. Another from the same stable in Grand Mogul has been let up 2sec over two miles. . Lucky Jack, winner of the New Zealand Trotting Cup in 1937 and 13m-ner-up to Moreflo last year, i has^ gone out lsec over two miles, but it is doubtful if this will counterbalance the allowances made in other directions. . ■ I . , The following list shows several horses, last-year assessments compared with their allotted marks for . next season:— .■■..-,

Agile, from 2.12, 2.40, 4.30 to 2.1,4, 2.45. 4.32; Aide de Camp, from 2.12, 2.46, 4.29 ta 2.14, 2 48, 4.31; Bingen Palm, from 2.11, . 2.44, 4.27 to 2.12, 2.46, 4.29; Bonny Azure, from 2.11 2.41, 4.20 to 2.12, 2.46, 4.26; DoubU Great, from 2.12, 2.45, 4.32 to 2.13; 2.47, 4.34; Frisoo Boy, from 2.11, 2.44,: 4.33 to 2.12, 2.40, 4.34; Frisco Ladyi from 2.11, 2,44, 4 32 to 2.12, 2.45, 4.31; Gleufossle, from 2.11, 244 4 27T to 2.12, 2.46, 4.2T; Graham Direct, from 2.11, 2.44, 4.24 to 2.12, 2.46,. 4.26; Grand Mogul, from 2.9, 2.42, 4.24 t02.11, 2.44, 4.20 ; Indianapolis, from 2.6, 2.38, 4.20 to 2.7, 2.40, 4 22 : Irn<|, from 2.12, 2.4G, 4.31 to 2.14, 2.48, 4.33; Lucky Jack, from 2.9, 2.42, 4.22 to 2.9. 2.42. 4.23: Isabel Derby, from 2.12, 2.46, 4.28 to 2.13, 2.47, 4.30; $iervie's Last, from 2,12. 245 4.27 to 2.13, 2.47,, 4.28; Pot liick, from 2!l 2 42 4.22 to 2.11, 2.44. 4.25; Recess, front 212 2 40. .4.30 to 2.14^ 2.48, 4.32; Reporter, from 2.0, 2.42, 4.2G to 2:11, 2.44, 4.26;-»OCkS ! Ahead, from 2.9, 2.42, 4.26 to 2.11. 2.44,/4.28 ; Southern Smile, from 2.12. 2.46, 4.30 to 2.13, 2.47, 4.30: U. Scott, from 2.11, 2.44, 4.29 t» 2.12, 2.45. 4.31: Villaee: Ouy. from: 2.9, -2.42, 4.27. to 2.11, 2.44, 4.29; Waipahi, from 2.13, 2.47, 4.31 to 2.14, 2.48, 4.33: War Buoy, fronr 2.f1. 2.42, 4.26 to 2.11, 2.44, 4.28. , ANSWER TO CORRESPpNDENI "A.P."—P.A., £2,6s 6d: : : v.