A race horse is an athlete and is subject to injuries that can limit its performance. Examining a racing form to see how a horse has performed over its last dozen races can tell bettors how often it runs and when it last ran. When a gap of several months appears in the recent results, the horse likely suffered an injury or illness and might not be in the best condition. Such horses might start out strong but fade toward the end of a race as they tire. Running a horse too often can also indicate poor fitness planning. A horse that races nearly every week might be worked too hard and could be more prone to the injuries and ailments that sap performance.