Classes and Weights

Weight is one of many aspects of form analysis. But it is also the most important. It provides the basis for all past and present ratings. In conjunction with the weight-for-age scale it also provides the basis for all your form expectations. It determines what a horse’s future ratings will be.

Each class of race in Sydney on Saturdays rates in kilograms according to the figures from 51 to 66. A restricted handicap rates 51kg and a quality handicap 66kg. The same figures, with amendments according to the type of races run, can be used for Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane or any other racing area.

In Dataform class tables you will find the class and weight figures for most races - metropolitan, provincial and country - in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland, including all Blacktype races run in Australia. Also included some figures for New Zealand.

All the class figures are purely theoretical. In practice they have to be amended because field strengths vary so much from area to area.
By using these class and weight rating figures you can compare horses from different races, different classes and different areas. This is a safe and accurate way of comparing all horses.

You have to be careful, of course, to note variations in the handicappers’ methods of allocating weights. If the horses nominated for a race are very ordinary, he will expand the weights by giving the topweight more weight than average. If the horses nominated are very classy, he will contract the weights by giving the topweight less weight than average. This practice applies particularly to 2 YO and 3 YO events.
However, in general, you can rate races easily and accurately by using these tables found in Dataform.

The weight-for-age calculations built into Dataform are very important, you will know as accurately as possible the improvement an average young horse makes from month to month and year to year. They also have another and more important purpose. You can use it to help assess the improvement a young horse is likely to make from one preparation to the next.