Real Handicaps

[OldDog]

This is wonderful stuff, Doug. Thanks for posting here.

[PatCummings]

I just caught the sixth race from the Vaal in South Africa. The top weight in the handicap carried 144 pounds, while the low weight toted 114, then got an apprentice to get him down to 111. Low-weight sent off at 5-2, finished a fast closing second. Top weight showed speed and faded to 8th field of 12. Winner was 6-5 and favored throughout, carried 130, and led all the way.

Handicaps still do exist on a regular basis.

The reason they exist is the way the races are run everywhere else in the world. Horses all get ratings by a system of handicappers, employed by the courses or racing associations. The systems of ratings can differ from country to country, but every horse gets a numerical rating based on their proven ability. Conditional racing (N3L, ALWn1X), more or less, don't exist, outside of maiden races. The vast majority of races are handicaps, and the weights are based on the ratings system.

For example, a race might be open to horses rated 60 to 80. If a horse rated 61 is in, they'd be one of the low-weights. The 61 might have 2 wins lifetime, while the 79-rated might have 6 wins. But the spread in weights could be 15 pounds, maybe more. It's a different way to do it, but it basically happens the world over, save North America.

I have always thought that a meaningful ratings system would benefit, potentially, novice players. You see how horses are rated (easily understood in the sense that someone is already interpreting the form for you)...

[Calzone Lord]

Originally Posted by PatCummings

I just caught the sixth race from the Vaal in South Africa. The top weight in the handicap carried 144 pounds, while the low weight toted 114, then got an apprentice to get him down to 111. Low-weight sent off at 5-2, finished a fast closing second. Top weight showed speed and faded to mid pack in field of 12. Winner was 6-5 and favored throughout, carried 130, and led all the way.

The Ragozin Sheets would be fun to look at for a race like that!

[Calzone Lord]

Here is the Chart of Discovery's World Record setting Brooklyn Handicap:





This was supposed to be the eagerly awaited match-up to decide Horse of the Year.

Highweight King Saxon (winner of 14 of his last 16 races -- had dominated the Carter and Met Mile in his last two -- numerous track record setting wins) VS 3-year-old Triple Crown winner Omaha.

The track wasn't that fast. A 6.5 furlong race for cheap NY claimers was run in 1:21.60 earlier on in the card. A mile race went in 1:40.20

Discovery -- 129 Beyer (won his next start by 30 lengths. Azacur -- who had just won the SA Handicap defeating Hall of Famers Equipoise and Twenty Grand was 2nd in the match-race)

King Saxon -- 116 Beyer

Omaha -- 110 Beyer (in at 114lbs -- won back nicely the following week)

Good Goods -- 99 Beyer (4yo colt was in light at 104lbs. Came back to win several stakes. Sire of Hall of Famer Alsab)

Somebody -- 91 Beyer (4yo colt also in light at 104lbs)

Thursday -- 88 Beyer (In light at 106lbs. came back and upset Firethorn in the Riggs Handicap. Firethorn won the first of his two Jockey Club Gold Cups that year)

[Calzone Lord]

Photos of Discovery I stumbled upon: