Question...running to form

[fintron]

When reading up on trainers and horses I've heard the phrase 'running to form' used. What exactly does it mean? I've stupidly never bothered to find out but my guess is that it is something to do with pounds and lengths? Say if horse B (rated 2 lbs less than horse A) finishes within 2 lengths of his rival has horse B then run to form? Thanks in advance.

[Trotter]

Re: Question...running to form I think when most people use the phrase they're not thinking in terms of pounds and lengths but just more generally in terms of the horse's level of ability......... So, for example, a horse finishes 3rd in the Eclipse beaten 3 lengths, the trainer might say 'we're not too disappointed, he's run to form' meaning that's kind of what they expected if he ran to his best. On the other hand if he finished 8th beaten 20 lenghts they might say 'that's a boi disappointing, he's ran below form'