Upon achieving victory in a maiden or juvenile race, a horse is assigned a specific rating scale that reflects its overall merits and ability. This rating determines the races in which the horse is eligible to participate in, and the weight it must carry. A successful performance, such as a win or a high placing typically results in a penalty imposed by the handicapper. While there are additional factors to consider, it is unnecessary to delve into excessive detail to avoid confusion and complexity.

Generally, a horse moving to a lower rating band race will have an increased weight, while a horse moving to a higher rating band race will have a decreased weight. Horses graduating from maiden class are typically re-rated to a 65 or 75 Benchmark rating. This is all part of the Ratings Based Handicap system. (RBH).

All racehorses are assigned numerical ratings ranging from 50 to 114, with 50 to 59 representing the lowest tier of maidens and 60 to 89 indicating progressive improvement. The highest echelon, reserved for open class gallopers, encompasses ratings from 90 to 114. The Hong Kong champion Romantic Warrior sits at 133 as the current best in the world. While New Zealand predominantly features races rated at 65, 75, or 78, in Australia ratings exhibit greater variability and selectivity, accommodating a broader spectrum of horses competing across various grades.

Rating 62 - 64 = 1 win horses

Rating to 68 = 2 win horses (more if winning a Rating 82 race)

Rating to 73 = 3 win horses (more if winning a Rating 82 race)

Rating 78 = 4 win horses

Rating 83 or above = 5 win horses

MAAT - Maidens classified at a particular date (1 win horses)

2YO - fillies normally recieve a 1kg allowance over colts

3YO - normally compressed weight scale based on rating

SW - Set Weights. Mixed gender, 56kg for colts, 54.5kg for fillies

SW&P - Set weights and Penalties. Fixed penalties for winners

BM - Benchmark races. Various ratings attached up to Open class

OPEN HCP - open to all horses (Rating 90-114) except 2yos

WFA - weight for age, decided on age, sex and the time of year

SR - stakes race based on the age/sex/class eligibility criteria

LR - Listed races as an Open class stakes race

G1/G2/G3 - Black type Group races seen as the most prestigious. A stakes race of the highest standard is a G1

C&F- Races for colts and fillies only

C&G - Races for colts and geldings only

F&M - Races for fillies and mares only

MIDWAY - Restricted to eligible Metro & Provincial trainers

HIGHWAY - Restricted to NSW Country and ACT trained horses

The handicap system between New Zealand and Australia is comparable, with some minor variations in the scaling metrics. In certain states, hybrid combinations still employ Class 1 to Class 6. Overcomplicating such a sophisticated system is unnecessary when the fundamentals are all we truly need to comprehend. When analysing form, it is crucial to determine whether a horse is ascending or descending in rating and how it fits within a race's eligibility requirements. However, this does not provide the complete picture. When evaluating fields, we employ our own rating tools based on a horse's merits and overall ability, considering the most pertinent factors. This encompasses their historical performance and ratings, both current and past.

FOOTNOTE: All horses in the Southern Hemisphere celebrate their birthdays on the same day, 1st August each year. In the Northern Hemisphere it is always 1st January each year, the new season then begins.