The matrix that is included in the attachment in Dot's post #1 of this thread, (for race stakes $2001-$8500) shows points reductions happening for 6th to last- so not many reduction points flowing out of 5 and 6 races fields for horses finishing last and second last? Also it says no points movements for horses retired in running or pulled up, but presumably they do "use up" one of the available reduction places. Unless the average field sizes show a noticeable increase, the reductions won't be happening as much as is seemingly intended in the matrix.