'We're playing the system' - can Revich take advantage on first all-weather start in four years?

Split ratings between the turf and all-weather can be difficult for handicappers to juggle. You feel the BHA has taken a big risk by letting Revich in off his all-weather mark, which is 11lb lower than his new turf mark after he won at Ayr last month.

Revich has not been seen on synthetics in almost four years. At the time, his peak Racing Post Rating on turf was 92, while on the all-weather it was 88. Such a small difference is probably within the margin for error to say that he is equally effective on both. His BHA rating disagrees to the tune of five or six lengths.

The other potential complication is that, while Revich is strictly dropping from a Class 2 to a Class 3, this looks every bit as strong a race if not more so. His nine rivals contain four three-year-olds, none of whom it would be difficult to make a case for. Easiest of all would be the John and Thady Gosden-trained Jeff Koons, whose career only started in earnest in July. He has progressed pretty consistently since and was just nosed out at Ascot last time.

Also appealing is the lightly raced four-year-old Al Agaila. His jockey booking catches the eye somewhat, as Ben Curtis is 2-2 when riding for Simon and Ed Crisford. More importantly, Al Agaila is also returning to the all-weather. His form figures on synthetics read 31115, whereas on turf he is 3275.

His best RPRs on the two surfaces are quite far apart: 98 on the all-weather and 89 on turf. He too has split ratings (4lb higher on the all-weather), and while it is early days in his career you fancy it might be justified in his case.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

All-weather only option for last-time-out winner Revich

Connections of Revich look to be playing the system in running the seven-year-old on the all-weather for the first time in four years where is mark is 87, 11lb lower than that on turf.

Trainer Richard Spencer had, however, hoped to stick to the turf with his seven-time winner, but the number of cancelled meetings and very soft ground in that sphere have forced him to look elsewhere.

Revich was last seen scoring by a short head over a mile at Ayr last month and will be having his first run on the all-weather since finishing third at Lingfield in December 2019.

Spencer said: "We're playing the system if you like. We had hoped to run him on turf but most of the ground has gone now. We wanted to run him in the Racing League but we couldn’t get a run, so we're running him here before he goes on holiday."

He added: "He may be 11lb lower on the all-weather but he should be as he was no superstar when we tried him on it years ago when we were also running him over the wrong trip."

What they say

Chris Wall, racing manager to KHK Racing, owners of Al Agaila
We had hoped to run her back at Haydock last week but it was cancelled so this was plan B. She's enjoys the all-weather and has been going nicely at home so hopefully this can set her up for a productive winter campaign once again.

John Butler, trainer Of Rhythm N Rock
He disappointed there the time before last, but it was a very hot day and he boiled over. He ran a nice race last time and has a strong each-way chance.

Robert Havlin, rider of Jeff Koons
We think this mile trip suits him best and he finished off well to be second at Ascot last time. He has plenty of experience on the all-weather at home and he should give another good account.

Mick Appleby, trainer of Larado
It's a strong race but he's a consistent sort who should be thereabouts as he usually is.
Reporting by David Milnes

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