Effective October 1 for a three month trial period Racing Queensland will trial the divided condition field selection method for Thursday race meetings.
Three race codes will be offered at each race meeting two for pacers and one for trotters with the composition of each race field and barrier draw type to be determined by Handicappers from the nominations received.
Handicappers will consider several options of splitting the race fields including but not limited to:-
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R Class
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Sex
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Prizemoney won in last 3 to 10 starts
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Age
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Field selection points
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Lifetime wins
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Lifetime earnings
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Season earnings
Where possible trainer doubles may be avoided when dividing race fields.
Driver and mare concessions have been offered and may be used on races that do not have a maiden front (3R0, R0) or races that cover one or two classes. (Eg. R1 or R1/R2)
Since Thursday restricted racing was re-introduced in Queensland from April 1 it has proven difficult to achieve competitive racing with multiple odds on favourites and poorly balanced fields in which horses are often spread over big distances at the finish.
The aim is to develop a more even and competitive product to drive wagering by grouping together horses of similar ability.
Each Thursday race will continue at the $2,500 prizemoney level offering a Graduation (R) Penalty only.
Please be aware that the race programs have been changed at short notice to effect this trial so please refer to the updated program on the “Meeting Calendar” which can be found under the “Racing” tab on this website.
For any questions regarding this trial of divided conditions on Thursday restricted meetings please contact the Racing Queensland Racing Office on 3869 9774.
