Most racetracks provide multiple daily updates on scratches and changes, including early and late scratches. Weather can delay updates or cause race cancellations. Common scratch terms include MTO (Main Track Only), AE (Also Eligible), PrivVet (scratched by private vet), and RegVet (scratched by track vet for soundness issues).
Most racetracks provide us with their scratches and changes multiple times throughout the day. Typically, we receive early scratches, which are posted when wagering becomes available, and late scratches, usually about one hour before the post time of the first race. On days when weather conditions may impact the schedule, tracks may delay submitting these updates to determine the status of the day's races, such as removing races from the turf or even canceling them altogether.
The following are common terms used to describe scratches:
MTO - Main Track Only. The horse will be scratched if the race remains on the turf, but will compete if the race is moved to the main track (dirt).
AE: Also Eligible. This designation indicates that the horse is eligible to enter the race if a spot becomes available. For an also-eligible horse to be allowed to compete, another horse must scratch. Also-eligible horses are admitted into the field based on post position order.
PrivVet: Private Veterinarian. The horse has been scratched by its personal veterinarian, who has certified that the horse has an illness or condition preventing it from racing.
RegVet: Regulatory Veterinarian. The track veterinarian has ordered the horse to be scratched due to soundness or lameness concerns.