More results from the same sample + about 20 more races:

THE ZIP

The Zip ratings from the Sportsman give interesting results. In round figures:

17% of placegetters have a Zip Star* (Top zip rating)
16% of placegetters one point from top zip.
21% of placegetters two points from top zip.
11% three points from top zip.
16% four points of top zip
15% five or more points from top zip.

That is:

About two-thirds of placegetters are top zip or within three points of top zip.

About half of placegetters are within two of top zip.

About 85% of placegetters are within four of top zip.

In practical terms:

If you have within three of zip as a qualifying parameter you will net two thirds of placegetters. (Conversely, you will lose a third of your placegetters.)

If yopu have within two of zip as a qualifying parameter you will net half your placegetters (and lose half).

If you have within four of zip as a qualifying parameter you will catch 85% of the little ************s while sacrificing 15%.

Useful? I'm not sure yet...

Hermes