We have to be very careful when interpreting those standard barrier figures [and thanks for printing them Blocka].

What looks obvious on the surface isn't exactly so. How many races are there with 16 to 20 runners during a year's racing ? Barriers 1-7 get more use than any other barriers.

The figures I saw were barrier stats for various race sizes. The differences were small but when it comes to say a field with 16 runners [common during spring] the inside 7 get more wins. I remember that much. The outside barrier [jockey can keep out of trouble] like Le Mer suggested, might pay handsomely for itself though. I haven't seen any evidence but I get a feeling he is probably right.

A system with a rule of must be in barrier 1-7 or the outside barrier might have some worth. I like it.

Generally, trainer attitude seem to be that up to barrier 7 are good and outside that are lousy. A horse's individual running style might suit either being inside or out. Different tracks and different distances on them, all would have different alley win stats., but when working out system rules, we are after what's best overall.