Hi Paul,

yep, speed ratings are tricky to say the least. i've dabbled with it and decided just looking at final time wasn't the be all and end all. I ended up coming up with 4 different speed figures for each race! Final Time, Early Pace, Raw Final 600m & Adjusted Final 600m (adj for the early pace). Its helpful info to have when analysing the form, but certainly no set & forget method.

Even then it all becomes pointless if there's no 600m sectionals or it rains on the day, etc.

As for days last start, i don't think theres an edge there. I personally use a cut off of 70 days, its not that big a deal. Then there are some that swear by first uppers.