Why do intelligent racing people both media and trainers constantly refer to Max Dynamite as being over 11 lengths superior to Trip To Paris based on their one meeting in the Lonsdale Cup?

It is clear to anyone who studies form closely that such a statement is erroneous in the extreme.

Sure Max Dynamite defeated Trip To Paris that day by over 11 lengths but it is clear even to Ray Charles, that for whatever reason Trip To Paris raced well below his best on that occasion (as horses often do at York – again something any half serious racing person would know!) and therefore is not representative of the true differences in their ability.

But to then infer Max Dynamite will finish 11 clear of Mongolian Khan and the Caulfield Cup field based on that belief is an insult to one’s intelligence.

If those making that statement cared to delve into their relative form a little closer they would find an indirect form line with Quest For Fame that links the pair much closer, giving a 5.5 pounds advantage to Trip To Paris – all things being equal over 3200m.

This indirect form line analysis is also supported by comparing the master Timeform figures for both – Trip To Paris (124) and Max Dynamite (119) – suggesting a difference of 5 pounds.

Come next Tuesday, Max Dynamite may well finish in front of Trip To Paris in the Cup, but before than let’s at least get the ability of two horses in the correct perspective.