Global Sports: Ratings Based Racing: Are You confused?

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Ratings Based Racing: Are You confused?

By David Gately


Ratings-Based racing is something relatively new to most Australian punters but is here to stay so we need to get a handle on it. The major difference between ratings-based racing and the old Class 1, Class 2 (etc.) racing can be simplified by an example: In say, a 62RB (Ratings Based) race you can have a Class 1 horse (a horse with only one win), a Class 2 horse (horse with two wins) etc. racing against each-other provided their "rating" doesn't exceed the level of the race, in this example, 62.

in late 2006, a review of the possibility of implementing ratings-based racing, found that Victorian trainers in all corners of the state overwhelmingly supported the retention of Ratings Based racing. This is highlighted by the fact that 94% of trainers in Victoria supported the keeping this form of handicap racing.

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.

Statistics in racing are everywhere but there is one website with unprecedented strike-rates and that is OzRacingForm.com which is run and operated by David Gately. He can boast a near 85% strike-rate in his top-rated runners in both Melbourne and Sydney. (broken down, that means he finds the winner of the race in his top-five selections on or near 85% of the time) We asked how his strike-rate remains at such a level of such a long period of time. David says: "I think people can over complicate and over evaluate races, it is quite rare that there are more than four or five 'winning chances' in a race and that's where we draw the line. Ok, they are animals and not motorbikes so there are always strange results on occasions, but we stick to a basic formula, bet to value runners, and enjoy a good deal of success".

Computer Ratings cannot give you all the information, for example, a horse early in his/her career or even early in his/her preparation has "upside" or scope to improve many lengths... No computer can judge for this.

How to find the right race for a horse is crucial. An example: A horse may be a very good 1000m galloper yet this race is 1200m. This horse is the highest-rated runner in the race and may be favourite, however, realistically he has little chance of winning at a distance he is not comfortable at.

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




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