Originally Posted by
alphastud
I met with a member of HRA recently and gained some insight into some thinking, submissions, ratings based schemes etc.
It seems that they are trying their best under difficult circumstances with multiple problems, ideas, agenda's etc. from the states, authorities, participants etc. . I think that they will produce an improved system in the short term.
However, I'd like to make the following points and highlight some pitfalls and why it may fall over:
1. it's the HANDICAPPERS job to determine the class, ability etc. of a horse.
2. HANDICAPPERS should have the authority, skill and capability to assess a horse and grade them accordingly to organise the best matched field. And so, they should already consider average mile rate, LTS, trainer etc. .
3. the HANDICAPPERS priority seems to be to produce "fuller fields" ahead of a "better matched field". i.e. they seem to include an “out of class horse” if it helps to make up a full field.
4. HANDICAPPERS are sometimes restricted or constrained by race programming.
5. HANDICAPPERS don’t seem to be required to handicap to an overall strategy.
6. HANDICAPPERS already have the flexibility to organise a field in races with CLASS and CONDITIONS such as:
C1 Or Better.
The HRNSW Handicapping Panel will frame race conditions and select race fields from the nominations received.
7. Preferential Barrier Draw should preference horses per the most successful barrier draw of that track and NOT in sequential order from 1 to 10 etc.
i.e. if the most successful barrier draws at Penrith are 3, 4, 2, 1, 8, 9, 5, 10, 7 and 6 then priority or preference should be given in this order.
8. Reduced number of racehorses. HANDICAPPERS have less horses to select to organise a “better matched field.” This makes their job even more difficult.
Some SUGGESTIONS beyond those previously highlighted:
1. Give HANDICAPPERS the freedom to organise and “better match fields” without the need to make “full fields”.
Does a “better matched field” incr betting turnover more than a “full field” when the “full field” includes a short priced fav?
2. Coach and Train HANDICAPPERS to develop their skills and capabilities.
3. Set secondary outcomes for HANDICAPPERS so that they are organising fields in alignment with the overall strategy of HRNSW.
4. Make HANDICAPPERS accountable and measure their success.
.* (note - this is from my knowledge of the HRNSW system only).