Santa Anita braves storm with all-dirt card

ARCADIA, Calif. – The week’s forecast of wet weather compelled Santa Anita to card a Sunday program of all dirt racing, highlighted by a 6 1/2-furlong sprint for females with first-level allowance conditions or in for a $40,000 claiming tag.

Ava’s Charm, Rather Nosy, and Hang a Star – second through fourth in a similar race last month – are among the top contenders, as well as Mongolian Humor, who cuts back to a sprint after an improved runner-up finish going long last time in her first start since being claimed by Peter Miller.

Ava’s Charm, trained by Bob Baffert, beat maidens in her first start this meet on Dec. 29 following a layoff of more than seven months, then was second on Feb. 17, no match for the victorious Ce Ce while finishing well in front of Rather Nosy.

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The eight-race card begins at 1 p.m. with a one-mile maiden race that includes Shooters Shoot and Lane Way, who finished second and third, respectively, last time out to the highly regarded Charlatan in a six-furlong maiden race

Shooters Shoot, trained by Peter Eurton, raced twice last summer before going to the sidelines. This is his third start off the layoff.

Lane Way, trained by Richard Mandella, has had the misfortune of hooking Charlatan and Nadal in his first two starts. This is his third career start.

The race also includes Yeng Again, a Richard Baltas trainee who got a Beyer Speed Figure of 85 when finishing second in his lone start sprinting Jan. 26.