I am a smallish punter trying to better himelf who discovered this forum a while ago, and have been thrilled at the amount of excellent information I find here and in the archives from wise sages such as yourself Bhagwan.

I always promised as soon as I had something to add which might lead to constructive debate, I would.

I haven't got extensive databases or done anything above anecdotal research at the meetings I have a crack at.

But your thoughts about dodgy $2.60 favourites tally with my thoughts on what I call "dead zone" favourites.

Favourites which are newspaper-rated around $2.30-$2.80 prepost seem to fall over quite regularly, especially at the provincials midweek.

Why? Probably plenty of reasons well beyond my scope of knowledge. But perhaps one reason is that in every race - no matter how hard to assess - the general public has to send something around favourite. Why not the one the pro market assessor sees on top? It is usually the first one the two-dollar punter is drawn to.

I am staggered at how often that one fact drags a fair bit of money on to the horse and it starts shorter than its newspaper price, and the bigger the risk the ned is, the more money seems to go on it!
I am having a wonderful time laying many of these horses (with some filters obviously) and picking up my little bit each time.

Thanks again Bhagwan. Always enjoy your ideas. There is always a gem among them.

Good luck and good punting to all.