What really matters?

[Mark]

edited by Bill V. If the 3rd race off a layoff is the "Money Run", then what are the 1st and 2nd races following the layoff? Not "Money Runs", get it?
Each horse is different as are their trainers. The only time you will see a horse win off a long layoff is at long odds. Believe it or not, these trainers and owners bet their horses and when better to get a big price but off a long layoff. Many times you will see what used to be nice horse on the huge class drop off these long layoffs because he is broken and the connections are trying to sell the horse. Horses that have been taken out of training due to injury need between 60 and 90 days of work to approach racing fitness.
The classic layoff return angle is sprint, sprint, route. I have been handicapping for over 50 years and that is something I learned early on reading books.
All i can say is "Do your own work", practice and when you start making a profit on paper then consider wagering for real. Otherwise you are just a gambler and looking for a quick fix.