I made it 32, which is still some going.
I'm convinced the visual impression of the race up the home straight could be misleading. Kauto was 17 strides ahead of Madison at the last and 16 ahead at the line. That would account for Kauto not being asked for maximum effor in the last few yards and it would also suggest Barber Shop and Nacarat were slowing up, which they were entitled to do.
Looking at the race again, I'd say Madison was not cleverly ridden. He was probably too prominent in the first circuit and only stayed on once he got his second wind over the last four fences.
Nacarat ran really well but was also probably asked too much in front. In a lower grade he'l be able to go half a stride slower and probably run lesser opponents into the ground.
Barber Shop got the ideal ride. Tracked Kauto all the way just off the pace and looked booked for second until the last fence.
All in all, it was a great race but I'd wonder if the front runers did too much and killed their own chances. Imperial Commander's chance went at the second fence. Deep Purple burst and Albertas Run was never realy in it, so the main 'contenders' didn't really run to form.
My initial provisional figures put Kauto on 191 for the bare form but he was allowed to pop the last instead of being ridden into it, which would probably allow him another couple of pounds.
That would be the highest conditions race form I can remember since I started rating.
And I can happily accept that Arkle was a fair bit better.
