Manual field selection which for these type of races I have no problem with. (Until they make a dud choice). I'll take a star on the rise in a feature race rather than a middling 56 rater. You could always race out of your grade under the Class system.
Having a base is important because it means a 40 rater isn't guaranteed to draw one under PBD/NR. Despite being a 40 rater it is a 56 rater for the purposes of the draw.