As far as trainers go, some seem to be creatures of habit also.
I generally look for example a horse engaged in two different States on the same day. Then it is scratched from one race to run in the other. For some reason this scenario has a good record.
Also many trainers will run their horses through the same pattern of races each preparation and you can almost predict with some horses, where they are placed to win.

As a general rule, and many may think I am crazy, but I never back horses dropping back in distance, back in class significantly.

These horses are placed in these races, and sometimes win because they are not up to a higher level this preparation. I just like the horses up in class and distance and travelling between States, because the trainer obviously has a high opinion of the horse and is happy with it's preparation.

Just something to consider.

[ This Message was edited by: Equine Investor on 2002-07-23 01:36 ]