For what its worth, Joe Tackach (of "Beat the Beam" body language fame) makes a big deal out of the fact that the S. Cal tracks DO NOT adjust when moving the rails out. Claims to have diligently watched the proceedings at all 3 tracks, and has never seen any compensating movement initiated. Given the fact that he's a very earnest guy and supposedly makes his living by being very observant, it may be worth noting. As a follow on question, for so. cal at least, wouldn't it be worth noting rail psn next to a horse's so cal turf no., or at least putting an anotation in the race summary section. Since TG has observers at the track anyway, it would probably be useful information. Actually factoring the rail psn into the number may be too much to ask, but a rail psn note would enable us to make an adjustment to a number, or at least give us another "tie-breaker" peice of info. Given the small margins more common in turf race finishes, the info would probably be worth the extra work. Just have your observers confirm that in fact the timer beam psns aren't adjusted for rail psn, then put some sort of shorthand note in the race summary.
I seem to remember some sort of discussion in Ragozin's book about them sneaking onto the NY turf courses and doing some sort of measurements; can't remember if this had anything to do with rail psn or not.
In any event, I'm sure other tracks don't adust for rail psn, meaning they run further with the rail out, which theoretically means the times should be slower, thereby effecting final no.'s
I'm really thinking we might be on to something here, at least for us so cal turf race specialists.