DROP IN CLASS

Fires when today's claiming price is less than 75% of the most recent past claiming price. A significant class drop reduces the quality of opposition and is a fundamental handicapping positive. Horses dropping sharply in class often do so because they have been struggling at the higher level or need an easier spot after a layoff — either way, the trainer is targeting a winnable situation. The larger the drop, the stronger the signal, particularly when combined with other positives like a recent layoff or a bullet workout.