subject: The Effect Of Weight In Horse Racing [print this page] Is weight really an important factor in horse racing? Does a few lbs really affect the performance of a horse that weighs anything from 700lbs to 1000lbs +?
The answer is of course YES! The official handicappers have been using weight to level the playing field for years and they aren't idiots. If it was meaningless then they wouldn't do it!
There are however a few ways we can use the weights to help find a winning horse, for no system is foolproof. When examining the form of a race, here a few things to keep in mind
1.The official handicap is determined by the horses last few runs and how well they performed. If they ran well, the weight goes up, if they didn't, the weight goes down. The weights are not set considering the race the horse will be running today.
2.The longer the distance the more effect the weight has. It's a lot easier for a horse to run flat out for 5f with an extra 6lbs on his back than it is to carry that extra weight all the way around a 2 mile race.
3.Horses stepping up in class will rise in the handicap, but will often carry less weight than their last race due to the higher quality of competition. Look for such horses with high speed ratings, if they have proven they can run faster than most horses in the race, having less weight on their back will give them a significant advantage
4.When considering how much a extra weight will affect a horse compared to its' last run, look at the differences. Horses that are carrying significantly more weight than last time out and are stepping up in trip (by at least 2f preferably) are facing a serious challenge. Because these runners are often horses that have done well in their last race they will often have short prices and are prime candidates for laying.
5.On the other side of number 4, always keep an eye out for horses that recorded a good speed rating on their last race, are carrying less weight than last time out and are stepping down in trip. Not only will they be able to run faster than last time with less weight, but they'll be able manage the weight they have more easily over the shorter trip. Such horses are often worth looking into as back bets.
Keep these pointers in mind and you will be guaranteed to put yourself at an advantage when picking a horse to bet on. Remember a well informed punter is a winning punter!
The Effect Of Weight In Horse Racing
By: David White
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