What is an also-eligible list?

The also-eligible list is specifically designed for situations where the number of entries for a race exceeds the available starting positions. In racing, when a race fills beyond its capacity, certain horses are placed on this list as they are potential participants in the event of scratches or withdrawals of other entries. This means that if any of the horses originally entered cannot run due to injury, illness, or other reasons, the horses on the also-eligible list can be called up to take their place. This system helps maintain the integrity of the racing field and allows for a fair chance for more horses to potentially compete in the race.

The other options describe scenarios that do not accurately reflect the purpose of the also-eligible list. For example, the concept of guaranteed participation or a list of horses disallowed from racing does not capture the function of this specific list. Additionally, a list for non-recognized meets is unrelated to the structure and management of entry fields in sanctioned racing events.