Effective April 1 the divided conditioned field selection method used each Thursday will cease. Whilst some benefits were realized under the divided conditions including a 10% reduction in odds on favourites, these conditions were not well supported by owners and trainers. Often attracting low nominations, reduced field sizes and a fall in the number of races conducted this field selection method also proved difficult for Handicappers to achieve the desired results when nominations were low.
A more standard program of “R” Penalty races will be offered each Thursday which may be more attractive to trainers who prefer the opportunity to place their horses.
