There is a race in Adelaide,Race 1 a 2yo h'cap.None of these have won a race,a lot of first starters,would this be classified as a maiden race when the description of the race does not say 2yo "maiden" h'cap?I guess the same as a race with all new starters,so what would actually constitute the naming of a" maiden" race? Cheers.

Cap'n,
Many races are restricted in one way or another to horses who fit a certain category.
This ensures an even competition- hopefully a close result.

Many 2yo races are for ANY 2yo horse- whether it's had no starts or 100 starts with 99 wins.
The handicapper then steps in and allocates an appropriate weight for each horse- based on where he believes that horse will finish.
The tricky part for the handicapper comes when you get a first-starter(never raced before).
By default, un-raced horses are weighted higher than the non-winners on potential.
Colts and geldings are AUTOMATICALLY allocated 2.5kg more than fillies in 2yo handicaps-
so, for Oakbank race one: the unraced colts and geldings are allocated top weight, the raced-non-winners are on the next rung, then the filly with the most prizemoney , and then the unraced fillies.

Quite often- horses on equal weights are placed in Alphabetical order- so those of you who bet on TAB number 1's all the time are REALLY flying blind in races like this.
In stakes handicaps( group and listed handicaps like the Melbourne cup and Doncaster) horses on equal weights are ranked in prizemoney order.

So, finally, if you haven't fallen asleep by now-here's a tip: bet on tab number 1 ONLY when the horse is ALONE as a top weight, and has established form(one RACE start or more).

I hope this helps.

__________________
why gobble with the turkeys, when you may soar with the eagles!!

Yuckman,thankyou for your comprehensive explanation,truly appreciated,cheers.