IMPROVING FINISH POS

Uses a trend-detection algorithm on the last-10 finish array (lower numbers are better): requires four or more consecutive valid finish positions where each is numerically lower than the one before it. A sustained improvement trend over four starts is rarely coincidental — it reflects a combination of gaining fitness, finding appropriate class, and growing racing experience. Trend-based angles are forward-looking in a way raw speed figures are not, and horses on clear improvement arcs frequently reach peak performance within the next one to two starts.