Race Condition

Question
Aqueduct Race 4 for Feb.14, 2010
Clm 1000b states "For four and up which have never won three or four year olds."

I understand conditions quite well. However, it's the last three words of this condition which seem incomplete. Doesn't it mean the
race is for those which have never won a race for 4-year olds? And if that's the case, I don't understand how entry #1, Vinnies Wild Tale, is eligilbe. His record is 19-6-1-1 and he has won two races for 4 and up this year. (Tried to send you the PP's, however it is in a PDF format)

Answer
The key here is that Vinnies Wild Tale is four. If he was older then he would not be eligible. Any 4 year old can enter this race with any amount of wins. By stating, "four year olds", this means its an open race for horses of this age. This condition is basically 2 races combined to fill a race or attract a larger field. Younger horses tend to have a physical disadvantage especially early in the year. A 4 year old who has run through it's lifetime win conditions, now has a chance to run against other horses his age or older horses who may have not been as successful. This theoretically should be a level playing field. This type of race is known as a beaten claimer. The straight four year old race may not be attracting enough horses so if those horses want a chance to run, this is their opportunity.

Christopher Crocker

Http://crockerracingstable.com

Thoroughbred horse racing partnerships and Crocker Racing Stable.