Yep, already do this. Thanks.

So you really don't want additional disadvantages. For the top-weight, also consider jockey pros & cons, suitability of race distance, barrier draw & likely speed map against the top-weights normal racing style.

In my view also worth noting live weight v dead weight
The latter a disadvantage

Another reason to penalise for an apprentice ?

I wouldn't if the apprentice is riding well.

Yep, that would work for me

fancied top-weight ridden by in-form apprentice - BONUS!