runs in the same calendar year before the festival

I recall the same stat.

Watch out for first time head gear too, when I first read that stat I laughed it off, until I saw how many when in last year

Big RSA stat this one.

thats right yeast.

funny how times have changed headgear used to be a sign of leave well alone, ch 4 made a big thing of horse winning in headgear last season,
dont no the stats regarding 1st time but must be a form of cheating,cant see trainers putting them on 1st time at races theyve been targeting all season ,unless they have seen a fair bit of evidence at home,racecourse gallop etc that is going to improve the horses chances

Not sure about the first time head gear, seemed to work well on the Tuesday, then once we'd all latched on it didn't work out as well thereafter

I put something up on here last year re 1st time headgear and there were winners, one being a very big price.

Will be keeping my eyes peeled this year to.

i,ll set you a poser bit of homework for the forum

why not try and think of some horses that may have a chance that you think might improve for some headgear, before race week

kalkir nap

For me I always feel it's crucial they get a prep run, it's the big negative around Faugheen for me. Yes some horses manage it and I suppose it applies to chasers more but it is one stat I like to follow

10 of the last 13 Gold Winners were running for the first time since Christmas.

It's different for different races, so shouldn't be taken as a catch-all stat.