Mtoto

I only possess one Trainers Record which covers the 1978 Flat season. So I don't have proper figures for the early examples. However, I do know that J Hindley (Rifle Brigade) had a good record at Beverley and also had a very good record for producing 3-y-o winners on their seasonal debut. I had also noted that H Cecil (Connaught Bridge) had 8 winners from 14 runners that year at Goodwood. On the down side Celtic Pleasure was J Bethel's only success from 14 runners at Sandown but I don't know what his record was prior to 1978.
However, I do believe that VDW took note of a trainer's record at the track. To my mind a trainer with a good record is more likely to be successful in the better races than a trainer with a poor record at the track.
Regarding VDW's view of form. I don't think he looked at form or measured form any different to the Official Handicapper or any other service, Haig for instance.
Tromos' win in the Dewhust resulted in him being placed top of the Free Handicap. Surely your not suggesting that VDW would have rated Lyphard's Wish's third in the Futurity a better performance.

It`s Derby day and no fancies from anyone posted up so far before the race on the van der wheely thread. Also the Northern Dancer h`cap, the prep race used by the infamous Roushayd before his win in the Old Newton Cup at Haydock and not a semblance of a tip for this race or one to watch for the future.Come on you guys some of us are holdin our breath in anticipation get them up!.Les and Rab have nailed their colours to Stouty`s mast, i dont have a scooby doo masel so let`s have some help.

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"I know that most men, including those at ease with problems of the greatest complexity, can seldom accept even the simplest and most obvious truth if it be such as would oblige them to admit the falsity of conclusions which they have delighted in explaining to colleagues, which they have proudly taught to others, and which they have woven, thread by thread, into the fabric of their lives."

Tolstoy

Correct, BC.

It was not me
It was not I
That did the deed
And made her cry.

It was not her
It was not she
That caused this boy
To sail to sea.

And when I die
And when I go
She is the one
I'll think of so.

(Smo Angel, 2009)

Farewell bothers and sisters.

BC