G'day all. Nice to see that there are still a few of the diehards here. I've noticed Moee, Kenchar and Chrome Prince already and of course my old mate Baggy! Hope you guys are hammering the bookies!

On the subject of weight it is only one of the many factors we punters have to consider when studying form. To concentrate solely on weight as a deciding factor when assessing the chances of a runner is not going to work in your favour for very long if at all.

I believe that the weight hype is just a bit of punting lore from years ago when there were massive weights carried and huge differences between top and bottom weighted horses. Today, with much higher minimum weights, weight doesn't become as important as in those earlier years but we (older) punters still have that weight thing embedded in our minds and of course younger punters always listen to us wise old sages! Yeah, right!

Personally, I never support a runner if it is carrying more weight than it has ever won with before AND I have a "weight maximum" that forms a part of my selection method but then again it is only one of 9 considerations for me.

I can't cop the "lengths = weight" theory either but I still see punters religiously working that factor into their selection methods. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as that and individual race circumstances cannot be covered by a blanket theory.

Punting experience is probably the most important asset when considering whether or not weight will influence your final selection.

Final thought: Many course records have been broken by horses carrying big weights (Century Kid comes to mind) but generally that will only happen in sprints with lower class opposition where the pressure is not as intense.

Cheers

Privateer