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[Exotic1]

Originally Posted by Tom

In his article, "The Basics of Handicapping the Turf," Rich Halvey suggested that to be a Gr1 turf race, at least a third of the horses in it have won or placed in a Gr1 race.

I used that idea for a while and have come up with a simple rating system for stakes races.

Look for a win and give it points as follows:

Gr1 - 1
Gr2 - 2
Gr3 - 3
Open stake - 4
Clf Alw - 5
Nw3/4 Alw - 6
Nw2/1 Alw - 7

Example, the Molly Pitcher at Monmouth today, Race # 7

#1 - rates a 6 of the last race.
#2 - scratched, would have rated a 7
#3 - rates a 4 off three of her races.
#4 - scratched, would have rated a 7
#5 - rates a 4 off his fourth line back
#6 - rates a 7 off her last win
#7 - rates a 6 of the last win
#8 - rates a 4 off the last race
#9 - rates a 4 off the last race

For a 7 horse four of the horses rate a 4, so that is the race rating.
the results - 9-3-6 (4,4,7)

When the 9 runs back, I will know she beat a "Open Stakes" quality filed, not a Gr2 field.

Good way to determine strength of field. You should be able to apply this method to dirt races as well, no?