I think the answer is most cetainly yes...The real answer is do the gear changes have a positive or negative impact.It is well known that blinkers have in general a positive effect( whether this is a positive effect betting wise i dont know).Conversly hoofpads for the first time i believe will have a negative impact. In my humble opinion no hoofpad provides enough artificial cushioning to lessen pain .As for all other gear change , as with these, i am sure analysis of past results. will raise some intersting answers