Seems the handicapper has got caught up in all the hype about the Ebor and the Melbourne Cup.
The runner-up at Southwell was giving CH 5lbs and is now rated 85, so that’s a 95 performance at best by CH.
The runner-up at Kempton was at level weights (bar a 1lb weight for age allowance) and he’s also been given a mark of 85. Even allowing for CH having a fair bit in hand there, I couldn’t rate that higher than 95 either.
The John Porter is currently scheduled to be the first race on the card, off at 1:25. I can see that being changed when Newbury get the scent of a bigger than usual crowd!