Form and analysis

In a handicap, horses carry different weights intended to give runners of differing ability more comparable chances.

Trainers influence preparation and race placement, while jockeys make tactical decisions during the race.

Going describes the state of the racing surface, such as firm, good, soft or heavy on turf.

Pace analysis considers which horses tend to lead, race prominently, sit midfield or finish from behind.

A racecard shows runners, jockeys, trainers, weights, age, recent form, ratings and race conditions.

Form figures summarise recent finishing positions and non-completions, usually with the most recent run on the right.

A market mover is a runner whose quoted odds change noticeably, often shortening as more money or opinion supports it.

Common handicapping factors include recent form, race class, distance suitability, going, weight, pace, draw and fitness.

These are forms of horse-racing headgear intended to affect attention or visibility.

A penalty is additional weight or another condition applied after specified achievements, often recent wins.

A weight allowance lets an eligible horse carry less weight under the rules of a particular race.

Course-and-distance form records how a horse has performed at the same racecourse and trip as today's race.

Draw bias is an advantage or disadvantage associated with a starting stall position under particular course, distance and ground conditions.

Class indicates the competitive level of a race. Flat racing commonly uses Classes 1 through 6, with Class 1 the highest.