Here are some figures for favourites first up from a spell (not including first starters).

First Up Favourites, Distances up to 900m
Selections 1,204
Winners 478
Strike Rate 39.70%
POT -0.51% @ Tote prices.
Best of three, Best of four, Betfair have to put it in good POT %.

First Up Favourites, Distances up to 900m, had at least one career win
Selections 548
Winners 220
Strike Rate 40.15%
POT 1.81% @ Tote prices.

Let's eliminate Dead, Slow or Heavy tracks, heavy weather for a first upper to tackle!

First Up Favourites, Distances up to 1100m, no career wins, Good track going only.
Selections 3,301
Winners 1,296
Strike Rate 39.25%
POT -2.68% @ Tote prices.

Again, Best of three, Best of four, Betfair have to put it in positive POT %

First Up Favourites, Distances up to 1600m, no career wins, Good track going only, Geldings and Entires.
Selections 2,835
Winners 1,083
Strike Rate 38.20%
POT -2.63% @ Tote prices.

All these marginal loss systems can bring into profit with the options for value a punter has these days.

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