Just a few thoughts since this discussion area is of interet to me.

I started tracking my betting by types races, tracks and bets.

Found I was profitable with MCL but not MSW.
Profitable in claiming and allowance sprints but not claiming routes
Profitable in stakes
Modestly profitable on grass.

Then, I tracked my type of bets and found
1) modestly profitable win betting
2) profitable with exactas
3) loser with pick 3
4) breakeven on triples
5) supers were too limited as were pick 6 (although I hit 2 6's my sample is too small)
6) pick 4 was most profitable bet

So,
1) I limit my individual bets to those categories and pass the rest.
2) I focus on vulnerable favorites. As classh notes, if you can't poke a hole or two in the fave, it is often best to go Tittle to Shofner(that's a pass for you youngsters)

I try to focus on the Pick 4's naturally. My main tracks are the S. Cal circuit...will play elsewhere but prefer a track with 'handle' as many Pick 4 pools are just too small (Charlestown, Penn etc.).

I think you could probably track which 'sheet plays' work for you as well. (haven't done this myself as I put a lot of credence into the 'shape' of a race and trainer changes). Pairups on young horses. 3yo's matching 2 yo top first or second time out, circling patterns, condition moves etc.

One might find that he is very adept at spotting a particular pattern that is profitable over time and other patterns that just don't work out at the window.

Other than that, I look forward to exploring these concepts further.

Tip