I also agree with your idea, Shanthi.
I like the idea that it will put some slight quality control to stakes races. (sometimes it’s irritating to me to see a horse who hasn’t even raced yet be thrown into a stakes race… but that’s just me 
) The non-stakes idea is great too.
Although, I do worry that this might make finding good races for your horse even more difficult. But then, I have to remember that this is all coming into account only when the limit of horses entered in a race has been exceeded. Then again, does this happen often?
Anyway, I’m very excited for all the new updates! 