CLASSIFIED ALLOWANCE RACES

Imagine a long line of racehorses strung together at opposite poles. Toward each pole a distinct set of competitive circumstances are dangled. The horses have arranged themselves in concert with the circumstances most suitable for them. Bettors are encouraged to look for relatively classy horses at one pole, but especially sharp horses at the other.

Can casual, occasional racegoers hope to decipher classified allowance races? Yes, absolutely. Classified races offer skilled recreational handicappers some of the best betting opportunities of any season.

A basic representation of the contrasting classified races features the uncomplementary elements of each pole:

1. Classified Allowances Races
2. Highly Restricted
3. Sharp Form
4. Find Horses in especially sharp form
5.Nonwinners of a single race Having a relatively small purse value For the past nine to twelve months

Relatively Unrestricted
Superior Class Go to the Best Horse
Nonwinners of two or more race Having relatively high purse values For the past four to six months

The list above shows that classified allowance races range from highly restricted to relatively unrestricted. The latter bows to class, the former to current form.

Highly restricted classified races are closed to any horse on the grounds that has accomplished anything of note for a long duration, even as long as a year. Thus, recent stakes winners, plus recent winners of other classified races, will be effectively barred. The idea is to afford somewhat inferior nonclaiming stock a better chance to swipe an excellent purse.

Relatively unrestricted classified races, in contrast, are open to any horses below the cream of the division. Only the most current stakes stars will be barred. The classified purse is valuable, and the idea is to offer perennial runners-up in stakes a slightly softer opportunity to win.

The likeliest winner - and best bet - in any highly restricted classified allowance event is the horse in particularly sharp current form and simultaneously well-suited to the distance, footing, and probable pace.

But anytime a Grade 1 or Grade 2 stakes performer shows up in a classified allowance race, handicappers should assume the stable leader is out for conditioning. No Grade I stakes star is well-intended under classified allowance conditions.