I was taught similar to topcat, at an airfield with a 1000ft circuit, viz:
In an ideal world the downwind leg should result in the inside wingtip appearing to run along the middle of the runway. When the runway threshold is at 4 o'clock (or 8 o'clock, depending on direction of circuit), turn base, still at 1000ft. Reduce power when threshold is at 45°, two stages of flap when speed is in white arc. Aim to be at 600ft by the time you've turned onto final and straightened up.
But that was in a PA28/AA5 Cheetah. In faster aircraft I'm having to reduce power earlier. And of course it's rarely an ideal world, thanks to wind, other people in the circuit, etc
