Problems are being to appear:

Week three there are only maidens for older horses over the distances below -

6f
7f
10f
12f
16f

The only two horses I can run are over the first two distances:

6f
7f

There needs to be maidens for all sexes 3+ over

5f
8f
9f

... or my horses will not be able to enter handicaps - I presume this is the same for everyone as a consequence some handicaps in week four are going to be depleted.

Any ideas Rich?

I'm finding 3yo hurdle races hard to come by. I had to enter one of mine in the 3yo listed race last week which I was placed in.

I've had to put another 3yo in the group race this week... Would of much rather had them in maidens or novices then aim at bigger 3yo or open races later in year. I also have problems finding races for my 6/7/1m horse in USA, so he's had to be put in Dubai sprint!

Ah well... If you think about it there's not always the right races, every week in real life training so we shouldn't expect it in the game. We have more weeks to run our horses. Though, perhaps lower the handicap run rule as we are finding it hard to place our horses... Maybe to 2, so it may only take 3-4 weeks to get a mark instead of 5-6 weeks?

There have always been relatively few 3yo hurdle races.

As for handicaps, they are there to reward trainers who have been with us from the start and not chucked in half way through.

Rich,

I have been here from the start - but I cannot access maiden races to enter the handicaps unless I run my horses over wildly inaccurate distances. Looking through the schedule it will be quite a long time before I can get a third run into some of my horses. All it would take is adding a few more maiden races each week.

But it is your call mate.

Regards

Steve

Week 4 Handicaps

6f (1 5f, 1 6f, 3 7f) (2 6f, 1 5f, 1 7f)(2 6f, 1 7f, 2 5f)

1m1f (1 1m1f, 2 1m2f, 1 1m)(2 1m1f, 2 1m, 1 1m2f)(1 1m1f, 3 1m, 3 1m2f)

7f (1 6f, 3 7f, 1 1m) (1 7f, 2 1m, 2 6f)(2 7f C&F, 3 1m, 2 6f)

2m2f (2 2m, 1 2m2f)(1 2m1f, 1 2m)(1 2m2f, 1 2m, 1 2m3f)

1m5f (1 1m4f, 1 1m6f)(1 1m5f, 1 1m4f, 1 1m6f)(2 1m4f, 1 1m5f, 1 1m6f)

1m2f (2 1m2f, 1 1m1f, 1 1m3f)(1 1m2f, 2 1m1f, 1 1m3f)(3 1m2f, 1 1m1f, 1 1m3f)

1m7f (1 1m6f, 1 2m)(1 1m6f, 1 2m)(1 1m7f, 1 1m6f, 1 2m)

Week 3 Prep Races, Week 2 Prep Races, Week 1 Prep Races

Not all these races are maidens, but entering a higher quality race is not a problem. In fact, it exaggerates the ratings more and is more likely to affect the better horses negatively.

I'd rather not enter a horse in a listed/group race, though. Just in case it makes all and only 2 or 3 are any decent and not there to get handicapped, which I would then get wallopped up in with my mark.

There's no denying it, it's a tough one. Especially as if there were to be more maidens, it'd mean 3/4 runner races most likely - that's why I suggested 2 run handicap marks Rich earlier. It wasn't for anyone to jump in with a horse, run once then get into handicaps. It's to help those who are finding it hard to place their horses who can't win maidens to get a mark so then they can carry on competing through the handicap ranks...

Hi Rich

I would prefer not to enter listed or group races either for the reasons stated.

Due to the lack of maiden races the two run rule would be better as suggested above - again its your call.

Anyway not a problem.

PS I know what races are available - I made the schedule for last season when the one run rule was in operation.

Regards

Steve

Handicaps aren't really there to be targeted, they are there as a fallback for a horse that doesn't make the grade.

If your horse does come 3rd in a group race, I'd hope that you wouldn't send it handicapping.

I will look at a 2 run rule, if your horse has two runs at the distance it is running at in the handicap then I don't think that will be a problem.

Of course handicaps are there to be targeted - just look at Dandy Nicholls.

Anyway the two run rule would be good - cheers.

Steve

I'd rather target 2 or 3 handicap winners than hoping for a lucky group win personally

But on the other had, if you don't put work in your game and get the horses capable of competing, then you can't expect to target anything...

Swings and roundabouts this discussion. More like critical analysis assignments that I have to do in university!

Exactly, both arguments are understandable.

I will take a view in the early weeks, if you've had two races at the right distance that's enough of a marker for me and you will be eligible for handicaps. If you are tackling the distance for the first time you must have at least 3 runs within 1f (for short distances) or 2f (for longer distances).

Final decision as to handicap eligibility rests with me. Ultimately though if you've been running a horse over 2m and it seems to be dying in the final furlong then the odd distances of handicaps will be suitable. I will also keep the handicap rating range under review depending on number of entries etc.

I will also consider more maidens from Week 6 depending on how many extra uploads there are.