OK. Too many questions to answer in one post except to say this - there is no one answer. What ratings do is express ability numerically to cut out the comparisons of different tracks and classes against one another. If you have a horse who rates 70 (say expressed in terms of lengths) and another across the other side of the country who rates 68, both at their best, then you know that the first one is two lengths better. Then, of course, comes the arbitrary judgement about what you think they will rate given today's circumstances. This is where your questions are coming in - what do you give them as a rating tomorrow?

There is no answer that is right, as you know the market is not the true expression of what's going on, merely the expression of what the mass conglomerate of punters out there think. And remember, they're influenced by a billion different factors.

So, the rating you give it is UP TO YOU.

As a guide, though, look at what it's best rating is at the moment (say last two or three starts) and if in your opinion it is more likely to be better suited today, bonus it a little or if otherwise penalise it slightly.

The important thing is to have reliable ratings. If you don't have them, you're stuffed. The next step is knowing how to use then. Start by reading Don Scott's book Winning More, it's a good start. Then ask me again, I'll tell you more.