Two graded stakes were downgraded for 2024 by The Jockey Club of Canada’s graded stakes committee during its annual review of graded and listed stakes in Canada.  The committee reviewed the North American Race Committee (NARC) figures and the Race Quality Scores (RQS) for all graded, listed, and potentially listed stakes in Canada. :: Get the Inside Track with the FREE DRF Morning Line Email Newsletter. Subscribe now.  The Bessarabian and Royal North, both for fillies and mares, were each downgraded from Grade 2 to Grade 3 status. Additionally, the Century Mile Handicap, Hamilton Stakes, and Speed to Spare Championship were all upgraded to listed status.  There are 42 graded stakes for the 2024 Canadian racing season. The five Grade 1s are all at Woodbine – the Canadian International, E.P. Taylor, Natalma, Summer, and Woodbine Mile.  :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.