It's becoming circular.

My own formula goes like this Ratings = Class = Value

If my top rated horse "must" win the race,it is the "class" horse and therefore the "value" horse

If my two,three,four,top rated horses are "must" winners then the "class" factor is too close and there is no "value"

This method tends to take me into country racing as the "class" horse in a race has a tendancy to stand out ,whereas metroplitan races have far too many "class" horses.

Not to labour a point,but by"class" I mean the best horse in that particular race.Not champions "class".

As I mentioned earlier "class" does not come from one rating,but a consensus of ratings over a reasonable time frame.

It can be a bit of a plod at times,but I gave away chasing long shots many moons ago.

The input into this thread is giving me plenty of food for thought,and I thank the forum members for their opinions and expertise.