Scratch of Uncle Mo made official

[MaTH716]

From a handicappin perspective, I'm just glad he's officially out. Because if he ran, I felt he had to be used, even with all the speculation that surrounded him. One less (good) horse to have to worry about.

[slotdirt]

Is there another race going where a horse can't get in off the AE list when there's a scratch 30+ hours from post?

[_ed_]

I was just going to ask about that. Over here we have three or four reserves for most big races that can get into the field if there's a scratch. I like that idea.

[Linny]

Originally Posted by Ogygian

What is the "official" reason why there isn't an "AE" list for the derby again Steve?

Because of advance wagering there are no AE's. Obviously, if there was an AE, Sway Away could have drawn in this am when Mo was announced as out, but once betting has opened today at about 10am, there would be no way to add to the field.

I think the whole circus with Mo is a mess.

[GBBob]

Originally Posted by Ogygian

What is the "official" reason why there isn't an "AE" list for the derby again Steve?

I was talking to an ex Racing Secretary at CD this morning and asked him that question. He gave two answers:

1) The betting and wagering would be compromised with AEs...In Uncle Mo's case he was scratched "relatively" early, but if there was a race day scratch, it would wreck the pools.

2) The second reason is more interesting....It has to do with the merchandising and all the glasses, T Shirts and Sweat shirts that are printed with the starting field listed. Those would become irrelevant....or a collector's item I guess?