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Rain forces Santa Anita to cancel once again Live racing was canceled for Saturday at Santa Anita due to heavy overnight and early morning rain that rendered the main track unsuitable for racing, according to racing officials. The decision to cancel was made at 8:30 a.m. (PST). "This is obviously very disappointing," Santa Anita General Manager George Haines said. "The main track is draining better than it was a month ago, but we got very substantial rain overnight and this morning and as a result, we had standing water in several areas. "As we've said all along, safety is going to be our number one priority in determining whether or not we're able to run and the situation this morning was not good. That said, this weather system is supposed to be completely cleared out by late this afternoon and we are optimistic about being able to run tomorrow." Santa Anita was scheduled to run 10 races on Saturday, including five stakes: the $250,000 Las Virgenes S. (G1), $200,000 Strub S. (G2), $150,000 Robert B. Lewis S. (G2), $65,000 Leroidesanimaux H. and $60,000 Wishing Well H. "We're going to remain in consultation with the horsemen and we hope to have a decision as to when all of these important races will be rescheduled just as soon as possible," Haines said. "We know that in many cases, owners and trainers are plotting schedules with their respective horses and they need to know when these races are going to be offered back. This is a very difficult situation and we will let everyone what our plan is as quickly as possible." On Saturday afternoon, Santa Anita announced that the Las Virgenes, the Robert B. Lewis and the Strub have all been rescheduled for February 13. All three races will be redrawn, and all horses that were nominated are eligible to be entered. The Santa Maria H. (G2) will also be carded as originally scheduled next Saturday. The Leroidesanimaux and the Wishing Well will be redrawn and carded for either Thursday or Friday. The remaining five overnight races that were canceled on Saturday will be offered again as extra races to horsemen in the coming week. Those races that are used will be redrawn and are open to all horses who meet eligibility requirements. Santa Anita also offered a Pick 6 carryover on Saturday of $85,150. The carryover will be offered on the next live racing program, which is scheduled for Sunday. Saturday's cancellation marked the fourth cessation of live racing at the current meet, as racing was also canceled due to rain January 18, 21 and 22. Santa Anita remained open Saturday for simulcasting, with free admission and parking. All fans who received Mystery Mutuel Tickets through the mail for Saturday could use the tickets for simulcast racing Saturday, or they may use them next Saturday. Club House passes that were included with the mailing will also be honored next Saturday. In deference to the Super Bowl, Santa Anita has an early first post time scheduled for Sunday, with the first of eight races scheduled to go at 11 a.m. For more information, fans are encouraged to visit www.santaanita.com, or call (626) 574-6417.
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