Could one of you clever forumites enlighten me as to how the TAB saddleloth numbers are allocated please?

I always thought the gg with the heavier handicap got the lower number, but today I realize (geelong R2 for example) that my thinking is plainly round the bend.

__________________
"Not winning on a horse that came first is one thing.....Losing on a horse that didn't come first is something else entirely!!!"

Those two were emergencies --- I guess that is the answer!

As you can tell, I'm sure, I've never really studied the flesh and blood aspect of this wonderful game. Perhaps you could just confirm that I am seing this about right... Some races have more entries than are able to be raced safely so there might be a few at the bottom (high numbers) that will only race if there are scratchings to allow them into the race. Is it first come first served or what?

Sorry I'm so thick !

__________________
"Not winning on a horse that came first is one thing.....Losing on a horse that didn't come first is something else entirely!!!"

Now you are getting a bit technical for me :-)

In the paper form you will see the races that have emergecies at the bottom of the entries. I guess they limit the starters for safety reasons on various tracks. If there are scratchings the emergencies get the chance. Who gets the call up I do not know.... Probably ballotted in some way as I guess is done in the first place when entries are closed and there are too many starters.

Close enough for me . Thanks for the help.

__________________
"Not winning on a horse that came first is one thing.....Losing on a horse that didn't come first is something else entirely!!!"

But doesn't the handicapper allocate weights to the emergenies as well - in case they get a start. I.m sure I've seen emergencies with a lot higher weights than those around it in saddlecloth numbers
e.g. bottom weight #15 aaaaaa 51kg
emergency # 16 bbbbb 53kg.

anyone able to clarify ?

cheers .........Mancunian

The race was a set weight Maiden.

56Kg Mares
58Kg Colts + Geldings


The new Geelong surface has a limit of 11 starters.

So TAB#s above 11 meant an Emergency.

Now I really do feel enlightened!

__________________
"Not winning on a horse that came first is one thing.....Losing on a horse that didn't come first is something else entirely!!!"