The Race Types in order of importance and prize value:
RELATIVE CLASS
Races are categorised by the class of opposition. A horses class is determined by it's official rating. The class categories are listed below.
Class 1
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 1-3 and Listed
Class 2
Listed races
Conditioned Stakes
For Horses rated between 86-110
Class 3
Better-clas race for horses below class 1. Weights are determined by age and/or sex, not by ratings.
Rated Stakes
For Horses rated between 76-95
Valuable handicap with a limited weight range of 10-14lb, for horses at or just below Listed class.
Class 4
Classified Stakes
For Horses rated between 66-85
Class 5
Race with a maximum rating, for horses who have run at least three times, or have run twice and won at least once.
Handicap
For Horses rated between 56-75
Class 6
Races where the weight each horse carries is determined by official ratings.
Maiden
Nursery
For Horses rated between 46-65
Handicaps for two-year-olds.
Novice
Class 7
For horses who have never won.
For Horses rated between 0-45
For two-year-olds or three-year-olds who have not won more than twice.
A CLASS ACT
Novice Auction
For novices sold at public auction as yearlings or two-year-olds for a price not exceeding a specified value.
It is important to consider the 'race class' a horse has competed in when studying the form. Often people make the mistake of looking purely at race positions without placing the results into their full context. To simplify this, if a horse has been positioned 2nd in 2 previous 0-65 races it is unlikely to fair better if entered into a 0-75 race. A drop in class would be in the horses favour making it a much stronger proposition.
In handicap races a horses weight is adjusted according to his/her official rating but as a general rule don't bet on a horse who is fully exposed and has struggled in a particular class of race.
'Exposed' horses are horses who's ability level and limitations are clearly outlined from previous performances. An unexposed horse represents a newcomer or a horse who has been untested at higher levels. Horses can be referred to as 'on the upgrade' or an 'improver' This refers to a horse who's ability level is improving. This may be due to age, training or a new found willingness.
Horses, like athletes can come in and out of form and this can also coincide with a stables particular training schedule.
Always look for a horse who is in form. A drop in grade does not always represent a strong contender. Be careful not to back a horse who has made up places through beaten runners and look for a horse who has genuinley challenged for the lead towards the finish of a race.
Identify a horses class limitations and most importantly remember, everything is relative.
Maiden Handicap
For maidens aged three or more who have run at least four times and have a maximum rating of 70.
Auction Maiden
For two-year-olds sold at public auction as yearlings or two-year-olds, for a price not exceeding a specified value.
Median Auction Maiden
For two-year-olds by stallions who had one or more yearling sold in the previous year with a median price not exceeding a specified value.
Claiming Stakes
Each horse's weight is determined by the price placed on them by connections. The lower the claiming price, the lower the weight. Horses can be 'claimed' (bought) by other owners and trainers for the specified price after the race.
Rating Related Maiden
Maiden race for horses who have run at least three times and have a rating within a specified band.
Seller
Low-class race where the winner is offered for public auction after the race.
Apprentice Race
For apprentice jockeys only. In other races, apprentices are allowed to claim a weight allowance because of their inexperience. They can claim 7lb until they have won 20 races, 5lb until 50 races, 3lb until 95 races, after which they join the senior ranks. Weight allowances can be claimed in all accept group and listed races.
Ladies
Amateurs
A race for amateur jockeys only.
Gentlemen
A race for female amateur jockeys only.
A race for male amateur jockeys only.
