I understand that I am probably the most recent member of this community and also the most inexperienced in the world of the punt, however I make the following comment based on my experience with what is the smallest data base in the world of the punt ... so lots of conditions attached - and I am sure one that everyone on the forum is aware of the statement I am about to make!

So .. the statement ...

For the uninitiated, one would have to exercise extreme care in looking at past data to predict a future outcome, as it would be too easy to impose conditions which would give a false hope.

An extreme example: On looking at my database (I know - the smallest in the world of punt) I could say the 7th ranked horse in races of 13 starters with a barrier less than 7 and with a drift of more than $2.0 would give a return of over 300% (fact from data base).

However my logical mind tells me that in reality the chances of that circumstance repeating would be so close to 0% it is a nonsense to even suggest it.

So my hypothesis would be that the more conditions one imposes the less chance of success it has!

Anyway a very, very satisfying exercise and another step forward in my learning process.

And once again a very sincere thanks to all those who offered their advise and support - it was very much appreciated.

Fred