My experience with ratings is that the more exposed form there is, the more accurate the ratings.

Using ratings on a maiden with 12 runners and 7 first starters is ludicrous. Expecting ratings to work on every race is just not going to happen.

I have managed to whittle down the races I assess on average to 3 out of 8 on a race card and from there I only back a commodity if I believe the horse is value. That's why I believe Shaun is heading in the right direction with his ratings, he just needs to keep assessing his selections and bet when he feels he has an edge. Easier said than done.

I agree Chrome Prince that you're not going to beat the betfair final price or any bookie price for accuracy all the time, however if you tread carefully and selectively and edge can be found. There are still hype horses and horses that get spruiked week after week and disappoint as favourite.

Uselessbettor your points on overlays are extremely interesting and I shall investigate further. Also the point regarding losing runs is a fair one, mental strength and patience are just as important in this game. Not too many people can handle the rollercoaster ride that a 10% strike rate entails, no matter how profitable.

So to sum up, my thoughts on ratings:
- Choose races with lots of exposed form (most horses with 6+ starts and not many first uppers in the first 5 lines of betting)
- Bet only when you feel you have an edge (comes with experience)
- Once you've found your selection ask yourself, is this horse ready to hit its peak rating or progressive enough to go beyond its peak rating? (VERY important IMO)

The Schmile