I find the TABQ ratings useful for these mini-systems. In the past I used the weight ratings in the Sportsman, which are excellent. I just found that if I sit down and spend hours doing form I come up with similiar results to these rating systems - so why not save myself time and effort?

My most succesful system (used daily) is based on inside and outside barriers with no reference to ratings.

I've never used a pin but one day when I was in a hurry I got races and horses mixed up (race 3 horse 4 instead of race 4 horse 3) and accidentally landed two $20+ winners. It would never happen again....

A friend has a system that involves selecting several runners per race and choosing one of them by going alphabetically. He claims it works. I doubt it. He's always broke.

Hermes