Why is the Melbourne Cup a handicap?
This one might be something Australian and UK fans can answer better but I've noticed in the Australian schedule that the Melbourne Cup (and all other 2 mile races) are handicaps instead of weight-for-age.
I had a horse that came third in the Melbourne Cup but then couldn't win a Listed race but I checked the weights and he was carrying about 8kgs in the Listed race than in the Cup. Does the distance of the race mean the handicap weight is made lower?
If I'm creating custom 2 mile races, should they be handicaps rather than weight-for-age?
If anyone wants to give an answer that doesn't directly relate to Starters Orders, I'd be curious about that too