Horse Racing Classes Explained
When you do a deep dive into the form of a horse, you’ll need to know everything about horse racing classes.
They’re not essential for beginner punters, but we’d suggest knowing a little about classes before placing your bets and following any horse racing tips.
It is important to know whether your horse is running in the correct grade or out of its grade. It factors significantly in bookmakers’ markets, so there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be a factor in your betting strategy when betting with the top betting sites in Australia and on their betting apps.
Classes differ depending on what state you’re betting in. However, this article will use Victorian and New South Wales-based class systems.
Before we detail the different types of classes, here’s why you need to know about them.
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Horse racing class chart
| Class/Benchmark | Description |
|---|---|
| Group 1 | The highest level of horse racing in Australia, these events attract the best horses, jockeys, and trainers.Winning a Group 1 race is considered the pinnacle of achievement in horse racing.
These races often have the highest prize money, including events like the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, and Cox Plate. |
| Group 2 | This category is a step below Group 1 but still features high-quality racing. These races often serve as preparatory races for horses aiming for Group 1 events.The prize money is typically lower than Group 1 races.
Examples include the P.B. Lawrence Stakes and Hill Stakes. |
| Group 3 | Group 3 races are a level below Group 2, yet they still attract top-tier horses and often serve as stepping stones to higher levels.Prize money varies but is generally less than Group 1 and 2 events.
The Blue Sapphire Stakes is an example of a Group 3 race. |
| Listed Races | These races are below the Group level but are still significant within the racing calendar. They often act as developmental races for horses aiming to compete at the Group level.Prize money is less than Group races.
Examples include the Bendigo Cup and the Pinjarra Classic. |
| Benchmark Races | These races group horses based on a specific performance rating or “benchmark.”The benchmark system ensures horses of similar ability compete against each other, making for competitive and fair racing.
Prize money varies based on the specific benchmark and race. |
| Class Races (Class 1, 2, etc.) | These races are organised by a horse’s prior success, often denoted by the number of races won (Class 1 for one win, Class 2 for two wins, and so on).The class structure provides a pathway for less experienced horses to advance in competition gradually.
Prize money varies based on the race. |
| Maiden Races | These races are for horses that have not yet won a race.They are an entry-level class where young and inexperienced horses can gain racing experience.
The prize money is typically less than the higher classes. |
What’s the difference between class and benchmark races?
Class and benchmark races are two distinct methods used in Australian horse racing to categorise races and ensure fair competition among horses of similar abilities. However, they operate on different principles, and it is important for punters to understand what they are.
Class races
Class races, often identified as Class 1, Class 2, and so on, categorise horses based on the number of wins they have achieved.
For instance, a Class 1 race is generally for horses that have won one race, a Class 2 race is for horses with two wins, and so forth.
The class system is designed to provide a structured pathway for less experienced horses to gradually progress through the ranks, from maiden to class races.
Benchmark races
Benchmark races utilise a more nuanced system. In a benchmark race, horses are grouped based on a specific performance rating or “benchmark.”
This benchmark, assigned by a handicapper, represents a horse’s ability based on past performances, not just the number of wins. A horse could, for example, participate in a Benchmark 70 race if its assigned rating is 70 or below. This system aims to ensure horses of comparable abilities compete against each other, leading to more competitive and evenly matched races.
While both class and benchmark races contribute to the fair grouping of horses, the benchmark system offers a more comprehensive assessment of a horse’s overall performance rather than just its win record.
Why you should factor in racing classes when betting
What class your runner is racing in will have an impact on many things. For instance, if your runner is rated at Benchmark 64 grade and runs in a Benchmark 84 race, it’s running way out of its grade.
Therefore, it has a lower chance of winning. However, the handicapper will give your runner a lighter weight to counter the difference in class.
On the contrary, if your runner is a high-rated type and drops in class, it will be given a big weight.
Factoring in classes is a huge aspect of gambling. Due to the race conditions, a runner rising way up in grade might not be suited by the weights.
All the information on weights and grades can be found in the form guide of most Australian bookmakers and horse racing betting sites.
Different types of horse racing classes
Punters should note: A Benchmark 84 class running on a Wednesday isn’t the same level as a Benchmark 84 class on Saturday.
Premier racing days are always rated above any race midweek unless it’s during the Melbourne Spring Carnival, which races on a Tuesday (for the Melbourne Cup) and Thursday.
Maiden
A maiden class is for horses that have yet to win a race. They carry the lowest prize money of all the classes. There are subcategories of the maiden class, which includes special maidens. A special maiden is a runner who has won a race but is still eligible to race against a maiden field.
Benchmark 58
You won’t see any Benchmark 58 races on a Saturday. These are available for the country and provincial meetings for runners who have broken maiden grades or struggled to win at Benchmark 64.
Benchmark 64
This is the natural progression for a runner who has just won their maiden race. It’s the next step in the career path and although rated lowly, there have been some nice Benchmark 64 types in the past.
Benchmark 70
You’ll often see a Benchmark 70 on a Wednesday or at the start of a Saturday card during the winter or summer months. A Benchmark 70 runner is likely trying to progress through the grades.
Benchmark 78
A Benchmark 78 runner has a touch of class but hasn’t yet gone to the high grades. Some horses stay in this grade for a long time, but it’s a good race to win for any runner looking to scale the heights of group racing.
Benchmark 84
Decent money is on offer for Benchmark 84 horses. They are a common fixture on metropolitan race cards and produce good horses. If your runner is racing consistently in this grade, you have found a good one.
Benchmark 90
The horses running in this grade have been around the traps a few times. They’re the horses that consistently battle it out for the win and have a touch of class. Often, group horses will have a run in this grade to get their season started. However, they will have to carry a big weight.
Benchmark 96
Not the most common race on the calendar, a Benchmark 96 race is often available for resuming stayers looking for something bigger later in the season. There aren’t too many of these races in New South Wales, but Victoria has them on occasion.
Open Class
Any Open Class runner has made their way through the grades and deserves to race for big money. They are quality horses, and all the major racing tracks host numerous Open Class races every Saturday. A win in this class allows a horse to run for bigger money at the stakes level.
Group Races
There are three different levels of group races: Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3. Group 1 races are the pinnacle of racing in Australia and throughout the world. Group 2s are next best, and Group 3s are a step above open class. There are different rules for getting into these races, including age and ability. For instance, a two-year-old runner can run in a Group 1 set for only juveniles.
Weight-for-age
Technically, it’s not a class, but it’s still important for punters to know. A weight-for-age race means the younger the horse, the less weight they carry. Therefore, if you’re backing an inexperienced three-year-old in the Cox Plate, that horse will carry around 50kg. Some horses prefer racing under weight-for-age conditions as opposed to open class.