How to determine what files enter recent items OS X?

I was wondering if there was a way of exerting more control over the Apple Menu's 'Recent Items' dropdown item. I have searched all over google, to now avail. This is essentially my problem:

I wish for files that when opened in a certain program, not get logged onto Recent Items.

I understand that possibly the way that the files are logged is not app specific, so perhaps there would be other ways to tinker? e.g. files opened in a certain directory don't get listed when opened, or files with certain extensions or strings in their filename?

Hope what I'm asking is clear, Many thanks, B

P.S. running 10.9.5