I thank Barny for his reply and have to add the following. I am of the thinking now of not trying to overthink and second guess the trainer. I do not worry about days last start any more and have not done so for awhile.

My thinking is that one of my system rules sort of eliminates an incompetent trainer or the horse is good enough to overcome that handicap. Not many horses back up within seven days any more. Many, many years ago a few used to race twice in the one day, but they were hardier then, but breeding has produced a faster but less hardier horse, so we have had to adjust our thinking also.

But Barny's last snippet, is it his last? should be enshrined here forever,

" THINK $ DIVIDEND ALWAYS. "

"This, may well be his finest hour. "

Thank you Barny.

Star