Race field ordering/selection

The process for race field ordering/selection is a common question received by the handicapping team.

The ordering for Benchmark and Open Handicap races is relatively procedural, requiring limited input or discretion from the handicappers.

The order commences with order by rating.

The separation of those on equal ratings is made as per Standard Regulations for Racemeetings and is based on each horse’s last 3 starts. Consideration is given to (but not limited to) finishing position, distance from the winner, prizemoney earned, grade of races.

 

From this, previous handicappers developed an ordering system (within the last 3 starts guidance) for consistency of process and avoidance of bias:

1. Last start Black-type winners
2. Last start winners
3. Less than 3 lifetime starts
4. Black-type placegetters
5. Horses that have raced each other, ordered by finishing position
6. Best placing in last 3 starts

Should they still share equal credentials, an assessment would be made off (but not limited to) beaten margins, race quality, speed ratings, etc.

It is a logical, well-constructed ordering process. There will be occasional anomalies, but the system works well and there has been no motivation to change by the current team.

Black-type races which are not handicaps have an ordering process preferencing black-type winners in the past 18 months.

Maiden race orders have a few extra conditions - A horse having 1 career start, will be ordered in front of a horse which has had 2 starts, and that in turn in front of 3+ career starts.

First starters require further work to order. Horses having had less than 3 trials since the start of their 3yo season (2yo trials are ignored) have an order preference over those which have had more than 3 trials, regardless of form. This an inducement to trial less. Untrialled horses are also placed ahead of those who have trialled more than 3 times.