IT is somewhat peculiar that the richest handicap race, on both the flat and over jumps, in terms of prize money and tradition, is probably the most inaccurate handicap race of the year, on both the flat and over jumps.

After the five-day entry stage this morning, of the current top 40, guaranteed a run in the race, only 14 will compete off their actual BHA handicap marks. The remainder are either at an advantage or disadvantage, strictly speaking with regarded to their allotted marks, in the four-mile-two-furlong contest.