Preference and eligibles

Each racing association shall provide a preference system before the beginning of each race meet. 1. Eligible-to-start list. A list of names may be drawn from entries for positions available in the race. These names must be listed as eligible-to-start as originally entered horses are withdrawn. The order in which these are listed shall become eligible-to-start and their post positions must be determined by the racing secretary. Any owner, trainer, or authorized agent who has entered a horse listed as an eligible-to-start and who does not wish to start shall file a scratch card with the secretary not later than the scratch time designated for that race. 2. Preferred list entrants. In making an entry of a horse on the preferred list, a claim of preference must be made at the time of entry and noted on the entry form or the preference will be lost. The preferred list must be posted in a place readily available to all horsemen.