MYTH

Horses that gain two or more lengths in the stretch are good bets if they return to the races within three weeks.

MAXIM

The stretch gain is among the most overrated factors in handicapping and is rarely a strong predictor of success next time. Horses that run at the rear of the pack, for example, frequently gain several lengths in the late stages of races, but these horses as a group are among the least reliable plays in racing.

The exceptions are grass horses. Races on the turf are routinely won by strong closers. Many of them just as routinely show gains of several lengths in the stretch.