You're welcome. Everything else is down to choice......
Claiming Jockeys for example, you can include their claim or ignore it. Either way you'll have to consider it, so it's up to you if you factor that in. I made the decision to ignore the claim and add it back on, so I generally believe that the claim is a true reflection of the Jockeys ability. Others don't and calculate on actual weight carried, either way, it has to be considered. I have to consider if the Jockey is good for his claim, others will have to consider if the claim is a true reflection of ability (or not).
Another thing to watch out for is big colts carrying big weights. You can sometimes end up with inflated SF's, but usually not too far adrift. You'll see it in a horses profile over time, if it seems to always clock well when carrying big weights, then chances are weight doesn't affect it as much as it would an average runner (more so over sprint trips on fast ground).
Some will say that is why you shouldn't factor weight into calcs, but they also have to consider it each time, otherwise the top wights would win everything, yet it's actually quite an even spread. I've done it both ways, and for me it was much easier to factor weight in, as my SF's were far too bouncy without doing so.
Similar with factoring in a weight for age allowance. I'd rather do it and see it expressed as the average, than look each time and in my mind have to think, 'well that was a few Months ago', and have to consider it. I'd rather exercise a little caution when looking at SF's from earlier in a horses career and have average expectation of improvement displayed, I just find it easier that way.
Everything from the actual 'raw time' is all down to choice. From factoring in a Going Allowance, LBS per length variables, WFA allowances, Weight carried, Class allowances, Jockey claims, Draw and finally interpretation of replays (raced wide etc).
Regarding the replays, I strongly discourage you from making adjustments to SF's due to racing wide, bad break etc. If you start you'll have to do the lot, which is a huge workload. It's very unlikely you'll be able to maintain it, and you'll end up not knowing what has been adjusted and what hasn't. Same with the draw. The others you can set in stone and adhere to, as you'll know where you stand with them (what you've factored in), but the draw and luck in running is best kept as notes only. The notes can be a simple +7, meaning you've looked at the replay and decided that it could have run 7lbs better, or for an ease of victory +7 - 13? for example.
The only advice I can really offer, is that you consider the above elements, take your time setting out a plan of what you want to include and what not to. Understand the pitfalls of each factor fully, and the pitfalls of not including each factor fully, then make your choice, and stick with it. That way you'll have a full understanding of the figures you produce and therefore how best to use them. It doesn't matter how you compile SF's, considerations have to be taken when looking at them in future, understanding them is key and will save you a lot of time long term. So have a good think, set your stall out how you like it, and then start compiling.
Good luck.
