A question that we often get through Support involves the timing of posting Past Performances and the opening of selections for contests. As is stated in all contest descriptions, Past Performances are posted and selections opened for contests concurrently, usually about 24 hours prior to the start of a contest. In terms of time, this means generally sometime between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. ET the day before a contest.
Many players ask us why both cannot be made available earlier. The primary reason for this is that racing programs for the west coast tracks (Hollywood, Santa Anita, Del Mar, etc.) do not go “final” until 24 hours prior, or again, around 4:00 p.m. ET. Even if entries and an early version (commonly called “overnights”) of Past Performances are available earlier through Equibase and handicapping information providers, those entries and early PPs do not include official program numbers or morning line information. Both of these items are included only in the final program. As a matter of course, we will not post PP information unless the program is final, as early programs should not be used for betting purposes.
The majority of contests involving multiple tracks at HorseTourneys include a west coast track. If a contest covers only east coast or midwest tracks (nearly all of which post final programs 48 hours prior), it’s likely that PPs and selections will be available sooner. However, players should still work off a 24-hour prior schedule in terms of when to expect both PPs and selections to be available.