the rule is there to help the punter,if i present a horse in birdcage which is meant to have blinds on and ive forgot,the stipes mark this down,they dont tell you to after the race,the trainer gets fined $100,how is this helping the punter,the horse has already raced without gear that was supposed to help it win,most times trainers add gear its in desperation and hopefully it might surprise the horse and it goes better,you say it helps you make your selections,i had a quick look at Forbury friday,there would be at least 15 horses with a change of gear,you cant back them all and most like myself who has 1 in is hoping more than good management that it will help the horse,in all the time ive been training not once have i added/not added gear to help it lose,and im prity sure not many have.