In a Starter Optional race where you can run
because you have started for $5,000 or less
or you are eligible to be claimed for
$8,000 ($3,000 more than the run maximum), are the
better horses eligible to claim or are the better
horses NOT eligible to claim?

Or, just handicap the race and ignore the claim
possibilities?

Or, skip the race because there are too many trainer
unknowns and better opportunities are coming?