I can't find much statistical info on placegetters (as opposed to winners) so I've compiled some figures from my small selection of old form guides. Sample is small but some trends are apparent and should hold good in a larger sample. Looking at 200 metro races, no 2yo, no hurdles or sprints:

AVERAGE PLACE PERCENTAGE

Average place percentage of placegetters = 48.78%

PLACEGETTERS WITHIN SIXTH LAST START

Last start winners = 32% of placegetters
Last start second = 14%
Last start third = 19%
Last start fourth = 16%
Last start fifth = 10%
Last start sixth = 9%

AVERAGE DAYS SINCE LAST RUN

31 days.

LAST START IMPROVERS

Last result was better than or equal to second last result = 69.6% of placegetters.

NINES

Best three of last four starts adds to nine or less. (eg. 3 x third = 9) A "Nines" horse has score of nine or less.

57.7% of placegetters = nines horse.

More stats as I compile them

Hope its helpful to someone

Cheers

Hermes