The effect of weight on horse racing
Is weight really an important factor in horse racing? Do a few pounds really affect the performance of a horse weighing 700 to 1000 pounds or more?
The answer is, of course, yes! Official handicappers have been using weight to level the playing field for years and they are not idiots. If it didn’t make sense, then they wouldn’t do it!
However, there are a few ways we can use the weights to help find a winning horse, as no system is foolproof. When examining the shape of a breed, here are a few things to keep in mind…
1. The official handicap is determined by the horses’ last races 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 fixed taking into account the race that the horse will run today.
2. The greater the distance, the greater the weight effect. It is much easier for a horse to sprint for 5f with an extra 6lbs on its back than it is to carry that extra weight during a 2 mile run.
3. Horses who advance in class will go up in the handicap, but will often carry less weight than in their last race due to the higher quality of competition. Look for horses with high speed ratings, if they have shown they can outrun most horses in the race, having less weight on their backs will give them a significant advantage.
4. When considering how much additional weight will affect a horse compared to its last run, look at the differences. Horses that are carrying significantly more weight than last time and are speeding up the ride (preferably by at least 2f) face a serious challenge. Because these runners are often horses that have done well in their last race, they will often command low prices and are prime candidates for laying.
5. On the other side of the number 4, always keep an eye out for horses that posted a good speed rating in their last race, are carrying less weight than last time, and are going down in the ride. Not only will they be able to run faster than last time with less weight, but they’ll be able to handle the weight they do have more easily during the shorter ride. It is often worth considering such horses as back bets.
Keep these tips in mind and you will be guaranteed to gain an advantage when choosing a horse to bet on. Remember: a well-informed bettor is a winning bettor!
