The Virtual FormGuide has
three different kinds of ratings available on a Subscription or Pay-Per-View basis. They
can be used independently of each other or combined with each other or ratings derived
from other sources to provide confirmation of the main chances in each race.
All ratings for previous days are available free of charge for
evaluation purposes. You will need to register as a Virtual FormGuide user (no charge) to
look at them. For recent races, select the ratings you want from the Form and Ratings
page. For previous months, go to the Ratings
Archive to get a whole month's worth in convenient zip file format.
Base Ratings
Base Ratings are a
sophisticated blend of form evaluation developed and refined over a number of years. Their
origin dates back to 1970 and the concepts and analytical principles endorsed in those
days still apply, although their application is enhanced through modern technologies.
Factors taken into account include times, weights, distance
suitability, barriers, beaten and winning margins, the class of race and the overall field
strength. The entire history of a horse's career is evaluated and an emphasis on recent
form patterns, together with consistency and fitness levels provide the basis for the Base
Rating.
Base Ratings are an ideal starting point for those who do
their own form or rely on comparisons from other services. Riders are not taken into
account as they are rarely known so far in advance and in fact may change on raceday. With
this knowledge you can apply your own adjustments for riders as you see fit.
Base Ratings use formulas for dealing with beaten margins
and distance changes which are not generally known. The so called accepted theory of 1.5k
being equal to 1 length at all distances is just one factor that is rejected by the
ratings.
Xtra Ratings
Xtra Ratings are similar to
Base Ratings except they are issued on race day and are assessed after track conditions,
jockeys and scratchings are known. Additional input is derived after an evaluation of how
a race should be run in theory by utilisation of a unique electronic pace chart formula.
Plus Ratings
Punter's Choice is the only independent
Australian publication which analyses the performance of commercial rating services for
horse racing. In the recently released 2003 Punter's Choice Annual, we are pleased to see
that our Virtual FormGuide Plus Ratings have produced superior results for the past 12
months in both Sydney and Melbourne, with up to 36% profit on turnover achieved.
Plus Ratings take into account times, weights, distance suitability,
positions in running, barriers, beaten and winning margins, the class of race and the
overall field strength. The entire history of a horse's career is evaluated and an
emphasis on recent form patterns, together with consistency and fitness levels provide the
basis for the Plus Rating.
Plus Ratings are available from our site at four stages :-
At the initial nominations stage. These ratings are computed
from The Virtual FormGuide's Norm (Form at Nominations) and are intended as a guide for
owners, jockeys, trainers and punters to the main chances in the forthcoming race.
After weights have been issued. The ratings are computed
again taking the weights into account.
As soon as jockey declarations are available after final
acceptances. These ratings are an ideal starting point for those who do their own form or
rely on comparisons from other services.
On raceday Plus Ratings are reassessed after track
conditions, final jockeys and scratchings are known.
How Do I Access This Service?
1. If you
haven't done so already, you should Register
as a TVF Member.
2. Subscription
access provides unlimited access to rating services for the subscription period. There are
3 subscription options exclusively for ratings and a kimited 3 start form guide. Please
refer to the Service Guide if you wish to have access to ratings
combined with 5 or 10 start form :- RATBBase
Ratings RATPPlus
Ratings RATXXtra
Ratings
3. Alternatively Pay-Per-View access
provides access as required by paying from your TVF Member Account. To put funds into your
account go here.
4. Once you have subscribed or have funds
in your account you can access the ratings service here or by clicking
on the Member Login button at the top of the left hand menu on this page.
