As part of my research into a rating system, im interested in discussing how people factor in barrier draws into their respective ratings/assessments.

A few nuggets that ive heard from people are:

* Certain tracks at certain distances (eg: Caulfield, 1400m) - disadvantage to be drawn out wide, but not all.
* Obvious advantages at Flemington or other courses with long straights when drawn on the grandstand rail and the trend of racing is heading there.
* At an advantage to be drawn between 4 and 10 in an 18 horse field
* never an advantage to be drawn #1 unless an on-pacer
* Disadvantage to be drawn out wide if an on-pacer, as will need to sprint from the start to get position, can get caught out wide if they dont make it.

Anyone else got any rules of thumb?