tulloch, u definately have to use the same method for each class of race. however, i do not do speed ratings anymore. the main reason is, that par times for each distance vary from racetrack to racetrack. i do not have the database/time/money to check thru say 5 yrs worth of results from each track to calculate par times for every distance. but thats what a speed rater would need to do.

also, yesterday saw the opening of the revamped Randwick. the par times for this track are now obsolete. new pars would need to be calculated. how are the speed raters gonna deal with that?

what i want to know is a "Length" a defined unit of distance, say like 3m.

u are definately right about the 'easing factor', tulloch. jockeys do stop riding horses home sometimes, therefore, they run slower/ rate lower than they should have. alert punters must be awake to this.