MAIDEN FIRST TIME

Fires when life_starts = 0. First-time starters are inherently the most uncertain horses in any field. Without a race record, speed figures, pace data, or competitive history, all assessment must rely on workout patterns, pedigree, and trainer reputation. First-timers win at below-average rates against horses with race experience, though trainers occasionally produce very ready debut horses. FIRST_TIME_TURF_PEDIGREE (a positive) can partially offset this concern for turf debuts with strong breeding.