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2
Chapter 2
Racing Terminology
The language of the form guide
Learning the language of racing makes it much easier to understand form guides, previews and race analysis. Some of the most common terms include:
42 of 42 terms
- Apprentice
- A jockey still completing their apprenticeship who can claim a weight allowance.
- Barrier Draw
- The starting position allocated before the race.
- Benchmark Race
- A race restricted by official handicap ratings.
- Black Type
- Listed or Group race performances that enhance a horse's breeding value.
- Blinkers
- Headgear used to help horses concentrate.
- Class
- The quality of opposition.
- Class Drop
- Moving into an easier race.
- Connections
- Owners, trainer and jockey.
- Dead Heat
- Two runners cannot be separated at the finish.
- Distance
- The race length.
- Favourite
- The shortest-priced runner in betting.
- Field
- All runners in the race.
- First-Up
- First run after a spell.
- Form
- A horse's previous racing performances.
- Front Runner
- A horse that likes to lead.
- Group Racing
- The highest level of racing.Group 1Group 2Group 3Listed
- Handicap
- Different horses carry different weights.
- Home Turn
- The final bend before the straight.
- Home Straight
- The run to the finish line.
- Jockey
- The rider.
- Leader
- The horse in front.
- Maiden
- A horse yet to win a race.
- Margin
- Winning distance between runners.
- Metropolitan Racing
- The highest standard of regular racing.
- Midfield
- Settling in the middle of the field.
- On Pace
- Racing close to the lead.
- Pace
- The speed at which a race is run.
- Photo Finish
- Camera determines placings.
- Provincial Racing
- Racing below metropolitan level.
- Ratings
- Official handicap assessments.
- Sectional Times
- Timed segments of a race.
- Spell
- A break from racing.
- Speed Map
- Prediction of where runners settle.
- Sprinter
- Specialises over short distances.
- Stayer
- Performs best over longer trips.
- Starting Price (SP)
- Official odds at jump time.
- Stewards
- Officials who enforce racing rules.
- Tempo
- Another term for race speed.
- Track Condition
- Australian track ratings are:FirmGoodSoftHeavy
- Weight
- Total weight carried.
- Weight-for-Age (WFA)
- Weights determined by age and sex rather than handicap ratings.
- Winning Post
- The finish line.