[PatCummings]

I just caught the sixth race from the Vaal in South Africa. The top weight in the handicap carried 144 pounds, while the low weight toted 114, then got an apprentice to get him down to 111. Low-weight sent off at 5-2, finished a fast closing second. Top weight showed speed and faded to 8th field of 12. Winner was 6-5 and favored throughout, carried 130, and led all the way.

Handicaps still do exist on a regular basis.

The reason they exist is the way the races are run everywhere else in the world. Horses all get ratings by a system of handicappers, employed by the courses or racing associations. The systems of ratings can differ from country to country, but every horse gets a numerical rating based on their proven ability. Conditional racing (N3L, ALWn1X), more or less, don't exist, outside of maiden races. The vast majority of races are handicaps, and the weights are based on the ratings system.

For example, a race might be open to horses rated 60 to 80. If a horse rated 61 is in, they'd be one of the low-weights. The 61 might have 2 wins lifetime, while the 79-rated might have 6 wins. But the spread in weights could be 15 pounds, maybe more. It's a different way to do it, but it basically happens the world over, save North America.

I have always thought that a meaningful ratings system would benefit, potentially, novice players. You see how horses are rated (easily understood in the sense that someone is already interpreting the form for you)...