So here we go again. Every horse gets a new set of weights and allowances from today depending on the arbitrary age of the horse . In reality it doesn’t change quite so finitely as that. Our system plans are firm but are related to the weights allocated NOT the actual “age” of the horse so some horses that are yet to mature properly won’t handle the weight rise from 2yo to 3yo or 3yo to 4yo etc. And my records suggest it is actually the older horses that should be getting relief at the weights. So it might be an ascending curve up until a horse turns 6 and then a downwards curve beyond that as the form of horses does taper off from age 6 and declines rapidly from age 7 onwards. Our Hotshot plan is fairly consistent at around 25% to 30% winners for ages 2 to 5. At age 6 there are still positive results long term BUT the strike rate of winners drops to around 15%. Many form analysts and commentators confuse the ability of horses to carry bigger weights which the WFA scale acknowledges as they grow older with speed. As they get older they do get more dour which is why most hurdlers can carry such big weights over longer distances. Today most tracks are listed as Slow5 or worse with Warwick Farm and Darwin (dirt) the best surfaces. Very little Hotshot action expected today. First race is at 12.05 at Sale where we have many potential Hotshots but not many actually likely to appear. Final updates today will be closer to 11.30 (not ratings.just selections).