Irv Naylor’s Dawalan, the 2015 Eclipse Award winner who is back in training after missing the 2016 season, heads the initial list of National Steeplechase Association ratings. The multiple Grade 1 winner tops the list at 156 pounds.
Under the NSA’s ratings system, all winners in training are assigned ratings by a three-member panel composed of Equibase chart caller Martin Chamberlin, Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred Editor Joe Clancy, and Virginia race announcer Will O’Keefe, who work under the supervision of NSA Director of Racing Bill Gallo Jr.
In all, more than 90 horses, all winners over hurdles, were rated for the start of the 2017 season at the Aiken Spring Steeplechase on Saturday, March 25.
Winner of the 2015 Grand National (Gr. 1) and Marion duPont Scott Colonial Cup (Gr. 1) for trainer Cyril Murphy, French-bred Dawalan had topped the inaugural 2016 ratings but went to the sidelines shortly afterward when he sustained an injury in a point-to-point race.
Second on the list at 150 is Bruton Street-US’s Scorpiancer, winner of Belmont Park’s Lonesome Glory Handicap (Gr. 1) last fall and second to Eclipse winner Rawnaq in the 2016 Grand National. Naylor’s Rawnaq has been sidelined with a training injury and will not race in 2017.
Third on the list at 147 is Gil Johnston’s Mr. Hot Stuff, the 2015 Temple Gwathmey (Gr. 3) winner.
In all, seven ratings handicaps have been scheduled for the spring racing season, kicking off with the $20,000 Ford D. Conger at Aiken Spring.
The highweight in a ratings handicap is assigned 158 pounds, with the weights adjusted according to each entrant’s rating. The low weight is 140 pounds not including allowances, and apprentice allowances can be claimed.
Here is the complete list of initial 2017 ratings.
Dawalan 156
Scorpiancer 150
Mr. Hot Stuff 147
Simenon 143
Hinterland 138
Special Skills 136
Charminster 133
Parker’s Project 131
Andi’amu 130
Maserati 130
Jamarjo 129
Portrade 129
Schoodic 129
Diplomat 128
L’Aigle Royal 128
Hardrock Eleven 127
Ice It 126
Martini Brother 126
African Oil 125
All the Way Jose 125
Hisaabaat 125
Jack Frost 125
Selection Sunday 125
Swansea Mile 125
Spirit of Shankly 123
Canadian Gold 122
One Lucky Lady 122
Alajmal 121
Miguel Grau 121
Balance the Budget 120
Berland 120
Duke of Medina 120
Get Ready Set Goes 119
Perfect Union 119
Second Amendment 119
All For Us 118
As You Like It 118
Help From Heaven 118
Orchestra Leader 118
Castle Hill 117
Mountain Fighter 117
Alcazar de Maram 116
Blue Atlantic 116
Deficit 116
Easy Exit 116
Lyonell 116
Mercoeur 116
Polstar 116
Reporter 116
Signature Look 116
Strongbox 116
True To Form 116
Unsinkable 116
Doc Cebu 115
Dye Fore 115
For Goodness Sake 115
Lady Yeats 115
Manacor 115
Officer Sydney 115
Osmoz 115
Plated 115
Stormy Alex 115
Yellow Mountain 115
Red Hammer 114
Tubal 114
Willow U 114
Causeworthy 113
Fantastic Song 113
Ivy Mills 113
Officer’s Oath 113
Personal Start 113
Dino Mite 112
Mizyen 112
El Monstro 111
Invocation 111
Arrakis 110
Classical Art 110
Comanchero 110
Dai Bando 110
Hishi Soar 110
Devil’s Wrangler 109
Secret Reward 109
Barbara’s Smile 108
Mr. Lickety 108
Buckrail 107
McDonalds Diva 107
So Far Away 107
Baumer 105
Green Lazer 105
Sarah Joyce 105
Aquies 104
Hooping 102
So Outspoken 102
Prima Facie 100