Class in horse racing is the quality level at which horses compete. In Australian racing, Group 1 is the highest level of racing, and maiden races, which only feature horses that are yet to win, are at the bottom.
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 it should also factor into your betting strategy.
Classes differ slightly depending on the state you’re in – for example, a benchmark 70 race is going to be stronger in Victoria and New South Wales than it is in Queensland.
Horse Racing Class Chart
The horse racing class chart below shows the different levels of horse racing in Australia, ordered from highest to lowest:
| Class/Benchmark | Description |
|---|---|
| Group 1 | The highest level of horse racing in Australia is an event that attracts the best horses, jockeys, and trainers. Winning a Group 1 race is considered the top achievement in horse racing and have the highest prize money. |
| Group 2 | Group 2 is a step below Group 1 but still features high-quality racing. They are often a prep race for horses aiming for a Group 1 win, with the prize money being lower. |
| Group 3 | Group 3 races are a level below Group 2 but and are often a stepping stone to higher Group races. As you would expect, prize money is generally less than the higher group races. |
| Listed Races | Listed races are below the Group level but are still extremely competitive and will often feature future Group 1 stars. They often act as development races for horses aiming to compete at the Group levels. |
| Benchmark Races | Benchmark (BM) races group horses based on a performance rating or “benchmark.” The benchmark system ensures horses of similar ability compete against each other which makes for competitive and fair racing. Prize money varies depending on the benchmark level and race. |
| Class Races (Class 1, 2, etc.) | Class races are determined by a horse’s previous number of race wins (Class 1 for one win, Class 2 for two wins, Class 3 for three wins). Class races provide a gradual pathway for horses to advance in competition levels. |
| Maiden Races | Maiden races are for horses that have not yet won a race. They are an entry-level class for younger or inexperienced horses to gain race experience – although you can still see some older horses with several races under their belt going around. |
Why are Racing Classes Important for Betting?
Racing classes are important in betting because the class that your runner is racing in will affect many things – for example, 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 bigger weight.
Factoring in classes is a huge aspect of gambling on horses. 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 betting sites.
What are the 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.
What is a 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.
What is a 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.
What is a 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.
What is a 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.
What is a 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.
What is a 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.
What is a 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.
What is a 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.
What is Open Class?
Open Class runners have made their way through the grades and are on their way to racing for big money. They are quality horses, and all the major racing tracks host Open Class races every Saturday. A win in this class allows a horse to run for bigger money at the stakes level.
What are 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. Depending on the race, there are different rules for entry, including age and ability.
What is Weight-for-Age?
Weight-for-age is technically not a class, but it’s still important for punters to know what it is. A weight-for-age race means the younger the horse, the less weight they carry. For example, a three-year-old horse in the Cox Plate will only carry around 50kg – which can bring it right into winning contention. Some horses prefer racing under weight-for-age conditions rather than in open class.