Ratings Based Racing: A Limit On Their Usefulness

In the racing vernacular, the word ‘rating’ is thrown around a fair bit… It can mean a number of things: A computer generated number (rating) given to a horse based on racetrack performances; a ranking of horses relative to one-another with a mix between statistics and human involvement/opinion; or even simply an opinion given on a race whereby the punter ‘ranks’ each horse from favourite to least favourite. These “ratings” are quite different from the ‘ratings-based racing’ which has arrived recently to racing.

So what are ratings-based races? Basically each horse is given a “rating” which is updated after every start they have. A horse cannot run in a race which is rated under their level. For example, if their rating is 69 then they cannot run in a 68RB (Ratings-Based) race, where as they can race in a 70RB (or higher obviously).

It seems obvious from feedback within the racing industry that RBH (Ratings-Based Handicapping) has been very well accepted. In fact, a survey of trainers/owners etc showed 86% were happy with the system, this overwhelming support (and of course the fact field sizes and therefore turnover is increased) will ensure this system remains in Victoria for some time.

One professional punter mostly overlooks computer generated ratings though. David Gately from OzRacingForm.com (who can boast a strike-rate of around 85% winners from his top-rated runners – an amazing stat) says, “I simply look for the horses coming through the strongest races. I line up weights and certainly relative times, but rule no.1 always has to be: Is the horse good enough to win the race. Sounds funny when you say it out loud, but it’s pretty simple”.

The interesting thing with horses is their propensity to improve sharply from one run to another if early in their career, or early in their preparation. This is why it is imperative to notice the warning signs of a horse with significant improvement in him/her. If a horse is very ‘green’ (i.e. inexperienced, does things wrong) it can have tremendous scope to improve. If a horse is early in his/her campaign, it’s fitness levels might not be where they are required to be and again, he/she may improve lengths at a subsequent run. Form guru David Gately says “Once you know the horses, you will know their patterns, and you will find more winners!”

It is all about knowing the horses Knowing which horse is comfortable at which distance, at which track, is s/he is better leading or ridden from behind, is s/he better suited on wet or dry ground, is s/he more likely to race well if outside other horses and not cluttered up between them? If you can look at a race and know each horse’s traits or ‘clicks’… You are well on your way to finding a winner.

I hope this helps you on your next outing, good luck and see you at the track