i just made this 1 up 20 mins ago a lot of winners and placers come from the top 6 in weight.ie.nos 1 through 6,just look at last start if its down in weight and less than 3 lengths from the winner its a go ,i dont know if anyone could test this in a data base but it picked up a few good divies to day[img]images/icons/icon6.gif[/img]

****************, I have some stats somewhere that 70-80% of all handicaps are won by one of the top 6, and 80% of winners carry within 3.5kg's (up or down ) of their set weight last run ( disregarding any apprentice claims) and also; ran within 3.5 lenghts of the winner last run, so seems to me that you are on the right "track".(dare I say no PUN intended there??)

Just a thought, but you could also look at any contender having a win in their last 4 starts and of course racing within 21 days, and maybe even a miniumum place record of at least 50% (optional)

as a matter of interest the best year i ever had punting was by backing winners in their last 4 starts (listed placed of course).
one day in race 8 in adelaide saturday meeting i collected a quinella on two last start winners that paid $198. you wouldnt believe that would you.
shows how much punters take recent form into account.

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laurie