Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Field Selection, Handicapping & Programming during Covid-19 Regionalisation

21 April 2020
Logo

Effective fields selected from Monday 27th April 2020

During Regionalisation it is important to ensure horses are gaining starts as often as possible. The below changes are designed to simplify our Field Selection, Handicapping and Programming.

Put simply a maximum eight (8) races will be programmed guaranteeing maximum field sizes at time of releasing fields. Also this will ensure horses are getting runs in relation to the days since their previous start irrespective of their National Rating (NR) or Dollars won in their last 5 starts ($L5).

These changes will apply to all meetings excluding Menangle Metropolitan Meetings and Heats of the Tabcorp Regional Championships. For clarity the Menangle Tuesday Meetings field selection will be included in the Protocol.

Field Selection

  • Preference will be given to horses with the most days since their previous start. (horse that hasn’t started for 14 days gets a start before a horse that started 10 days ago) Where horses are equal on amount of days since the last start, highest dollars won in their last five starts will apply, if still equal horse with the highest National Rating will apply to differentiate.
  • Standard unfulfilled engagement/late nomination principles apply.

Field Splitting

  • Maiden races will be split into fields of ten based on $L5 from highest to lowest
  • Up to NR55 will be split into fields of ten based on $L5 from highest to lowest
  • Races above NR55 will be split into fields of ten on National Ratings from the top down. Given the large gap above 55, horses in this grade would be better suited to racing their own grade were possible. This will allow for more like for like racing.

Race Selection

  • As all meetings will have a maximum 6 races programmed the races which will be split will be based on the two races programmed with highest number of nominations.

Race Programming all Regions

  • 2yo when scheduled as per established 2yo calendar with a minimum of 1 per week in a Region
  • 3yo up to 1 this season win with 1 per week in a Region
  • Maiden for horses with 0 Lifetime wins all to be 3yo and older
  • Up to NR55 3yo Concessions will apply however no Drivers Concession or Mares Concession will apply
  • Up to NR 120 for A meetings 1 per region per week. Except Metro A meetings would be up to NR90. Dual Concession claims to apply
  • Up to NR 90 for B Meetings. Except Metro B meetings would be up to 75. Dual concessions will apply.    

Shaun Snudden

Manager - Industry Development

 

Related News

5 December 2025
LISTEN: Gareth, Daz, TOC and Grant on the Friday Form Panel
On this week’s edition of Friday Form Panel, Gareth Hall was joined by regulars Darren Carroll and Tim O'Connor to chat through Saturday night's eight-race card at Melton Entertainment Park, as well as Grant Dixon, who discussed his big evening at Albion Park. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE...
5 December 2025
LISTEN: Dan and Rob tackle tricky Melton card
Dan Mielicki and Rob Auber provide their full analysis of Saturday night’s eight-race card at Melton. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE
5 December 2025
HYGAIN® launches next-generation race feed
Hygain Edge®, a new high-performance race feed that delivers smarter energy through a carefully balanced combination of high fat and controlled starch, has been launched today. Developed in close consultation with Australian trainers and formulated using current equine nutrition science, Hygain Edge®...
5 December 2025
GOODFORM – TOC's tips for Melton's Breeders Crown heats card
Tim O'Connor takes a look at tonight's meeting from Melton Entertainment Park. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ANALYSIS AT THETROTS.COM.AU
5 December 2025
Nieuwenburg's Numbers: Stats that shape Saturday at Melton
Bronte Nieuwenburg has taken a deep dive into the upcoming Saturday night meeting at Melton, using stats and sectional times to break down the key runners. From the quickest gate speed, to the fastest swoopers and top overall performers, here’s a look at the best of each race, with a focus on horse,...
Click for more