Thank you for your input....I plan on doing some experimenting, but can't necessarily do it on the job.

I was very excited to come across this forum. I would like to be able to get feedback and information to improve my photography skills and pick your brains. :) I'm a race track photographer using a Sony A700 shooting with the sports setting and panning. My objective is to get a photo of the winning horse as close to the finish line as possible. I have to shoot from one spot and in varying weather conditions from bright sunlight to cloudy and rainy conditions. Attached are a few samples for comment. Any suggestions as to any manual settings would be appreciated. Right now any adjustments are made in photoshop.