How to Make Sense of Conditions

  Use this step-by-step worksheet to figure out how to read the "lingo" in the condition book's "conditions" for each race. (This can also be described as the eligibility for race.) Put your answers in the box by each horse's name and then check your answers with the sheet provided. This is a very important concept that you need to master.

Example:
Race 8 – Ruidoso Downs – 1 Mile  --  Claiming  -- FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD NM BREDS.

The part of the description is the basic eligibility for the race.  The rest of the description includes the conditions that are designed to “level the field” to an even greater extent.  How do you decipher the conditions?  Just follow these steps to work through this race.  Note: conditions vary from race to race so this template only works for this particular race. The potential weight range in this race is 110 – 123 pounds.

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Step One -- Age

Is the horse three years old? If yes, Circle 118 in the box A.  If the horse is four years or older, circle 123 in the box A.

A.     118     123              

Step Two -- When did this horse win? (i.e. Is he “on his game” now?)

Did this horse win a race since May 9? If yes, circle 0 in the box and go to Step Three. 
If no, circle 3 in the box and read on….
Did this horse win between May 9 and April 9? If yes, go on to Step Three.
If no, cross out three and circle the 5.  Now go on to Step Three.

B.     0     3     5    

Step Three – Claiming price

Find the claiming price of the horse and use the chart to determine which number from 0 – 3  to circle in Box C

C.        
$6250 – 0
$5000 – 3

Step Four: The final weight the horse is eligible to carry.

Take the number in Box A and subtract the numbers in Box B and Box C.  The number you come up with is the weight.

A. __________  -  B. __________  - C. __________  =  final weight __________

Click here for Race 8 practice

Click here for Race 8 answers