some say keep away from rain affected tracks
do your homework & they can work for you

Absolutely
Backing & laying

Referencing reliable speed maps very important imo.
Not only to predict the running position of each horse in the field and likely pace of the race but also to establish if those drawn inside or outside will be advantaged or disadvantaged.

Likely race pace very useful if you fancy a backmarker

Evidence ???

??
Common knowledge & from my punting experience, backmarkers rely on a fast race tempo, to do best
??

..early days
..fine tuning a simple little system mainly based on jockey / horse / track condition (horse) strike rates
..a few other filters including must be fancied in the market

..reference to a reliable speed map a big plus

Jake, what speed map would you say is the most reliable?. I always see a few different ratings amongst them as I search for a good one. Thanks.

Can I just put this out there for anyone to answer if they can. I have a couple of methods that I use that rely on speed maps. The problem I run into is that different speed maps give conflicting results. It is not uncommon to get a runner being listed on one site as a leader and on another site be listed as on pace and in some cases be listed as a midfield runner. I really need to get the most reliable one. If that means paying for one then so be it. I just want one that can be trusted to be accurate. I'd appreciate anyone's advice on this. Thanks.