When a Practical Punting reader asked which form factors matter most, he listed twelve — and The Optimist turned the answer into a two-part masterclass. In Part 1, Gordon covers the first three: days since the last start (the 7-to-28-day window, and when a quick back-up is a real bet), days since the last win (why horses are creatures of habit, and the first-up traps hiding in the comment lines), and the winning strike rate (the ten-start rule, and where to set an honest floor).

​Grab the free companion e-book below — the first three factors laid out plainly, with the windows, traps and checks beside each one. FREE E-BOOK: pp.practicalpunting.com.au/12-vital-form-factors-p1/

Three checks you can run on any raceguide, this Saturday. Part 2 takes the other nine factors — and puts points on the whole system.

Grab the free companion e-book below — the first three factors laid out plainly, with the windows, traps and checks beside each one. FREE E-BOOK: pp.practicalpunting.com.au/12-vital-form-factors-p1/