Graded Stakes
Also called: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, G1, G2, G3, black type, graded stakes placed, MGSP
Graded stakes are the most prestigious stakes races, ranked Grade 1 (highest), Grade 2, and Grade 3 by a committee based on the quality of horses they attract; placing in one earns boldface 'black type' in sales catalogs.
Grading is reviewed every year, so a race's grade reflects its recent strength. Hitting the board in a graded stakes is a major credential — 'graded stakes placed' (GSP) means a horse ran first through third (or first through fourth in some jurisdictions) in one; 'multiple graded stakes placed' (MGSP) means it did so more than once. It's a level most horses never reach.
Examples
- arrow_rightTop Official is multiple graded stakes placed — he hit the board in more than one graded stakes after Mario Lorito broke him, despite being a homebred by a $2,500 stud fee.
- arrow_rightWinning a Grade 1 is the highest achievement short of a championship.