Not really a place to go back to the basics of dosage, but happy to answer any questions.
A brief overview of dosage from the website
The principles of Dosage analysis however are founded on the basis that each of these chefs contributed a predictable characteristic to each of his progeny. These characteristics have been classified into 5 major categories (Brilliant, Intermediate, Classic, Solid and Professional) that cover the range from speed to stamina. There is however some overlap in their practical application, as certain stallions may contribute in two aptitudinal groups. The assignments are made to most accurately reflect the traits a stallion most consistently and predictably transmit to his progeny. A key feature of these principles is that a champion thoroughbred will have a balance of these characteristics within their pedigree. In respect of Thinkin' Big, a lot of his Brilliant rating comes from the classification of his damsire, Tale Of The Cat as a brilliant influence. His classification might not be the most appropriate ever, as it would have been much better to have classified his sire, Storm Cat as a chef-de-race, but Dr Roman was adamant that his classification was an accurate reflection. I, for one, do not remain convinced, and would be looking at reviewing this. Similarly, there is a case for High Chaparral to be classified in the not too distant future as well as a classic influence which would change the balance a little. Nevertheless, Thinkin' Big with a profile of [0.68/1.80] fits quite nicely in a staying range especially for Australian stayers. He is favourite for the VRC Derby and that is a race that is often not won by a dour staying type. Usually they need to be relatively mature at this stage of their 3yo season, which is often a little different type than that which wins the AJC Derby in the following Autumn. His racing style would also suggest that he is what John Hutchinson once referred to as a fast stayer. That is a stayer like Might And Power that was able to extend his speed over a greater distance that many others. Franco Varola of course suggested the correlation between dosage and development/typology rather than just speed. Just out of interest, Shocking's dosage profile was [0.43/1.84] while Viewed's was [0.50/1.90]. Neither was a 3yo though, and the last 3yo to win the Cup was Skipton in 1941 I think, so maybe we are in uncharted territory. From memory, the last 3yo to run was Arena in 1998 whose dosage profile read [0.41/2.03] so not all that different to that of Thinkin' Big at the end of the day. One small observation on dosages and recent winners of the Cup. It seems that European stayers who have raced in Australia can win the race with dosages in the lower ranges (around 1.00 and under). Those from overseas first up into the race with dosages in this range have not been successful. The raiders with dosages more in the versatile range (around 1.50) are more likely to be competitive.
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