With a threat of rain in Southern California next week, Santa Anita Park has delayed the close of entries for its opening-day card on Dec. 26 until Sunday, Dec. 21, according to a text distributed from the track's racing office. Entries and a post position draw had been scheduled for Dec. 19.
The text said the postponement of the close of entries is to allow for additional time to evaluate the weather forecast. California tracks have the most restrictive inclement weather policy for racing in the country.
Horsemen who entered horses on Friday will not need to re-enter on Sunday. The opening-day card will be finalized on Sunday, the text indicated.
Santa Anita will take double entries on Monday, Dec. 22, for Saturday, Dec. 27, and Sunday, Dec. 28.
A Dec. 19 afternoon forecast from the National Weather Service suggests the highest chance of rain early in the week before precipitation diminishes on or by Christmas Day. Most cloudy skies are expected for Dec. 26.
The Dec. 26 card at Santa Anita is to feature six stakes, including the American Oaks (G1T), Malibu Stakes (G1), and La Brea Stakes (G1).
