Clearly, a Better Day to Race

For one of the few times since the Santa Anita winter-spring meet began Dec. 26, sunny skies are expected in Arcadia.

After the final eight races on Sunday’s card were canceled because of the continued heavy rain, the entire program is likely to be staged today and fans who like maiden races will be happy.

Half of today’s races are for non-winners, including both halves of the early double.

Five horses entered the first, a $44,000 sprint for California-bred maidens, and six entered the second, a $44,000 open maiden race at 6 1/2 furlongs.

An interesting prospect in the first is Carano. A 4-year-old gelded son of In Excess out of the mare Gilded Dancer, he is a full brother to stakes winner Valentine Dancer.

Mike Smith will ride Carano for owner-breeders Al and Sandee Kirkwood and trainer Craig Lewis.

In the second, Whata Soldier and Sunshinenbeer, who have combined to go 0 for 19, will face eight-time loser Cozzen Vinny, Crosscut and a pair of first-time starters -- Free Clearance and Mortimer Lockman. The former is a son of Cryptoclearance trained by Ron McAnally, and the latter is a Mortlock colt trained by Santiago Medina.

Race of the day: Way To The Top, who earned his 11th career victory by a head Dec. 8, will make his first start as a 7-year-old in today’s eighth at Aqueduct. Trained by Bruce Levine, Way To The Top, who has started 33 times, will break from the outside in the field of six in the $54,000 optional claimer at six furlongs and will be ridden by Mike Luzzi.

One for the road: Too Many Bubbles looked good winning in her debut on the inner track at Aqueduct on Dec. 15 and can win right back in today’s seventh. Aaron Gryder will ride the 4-year-old American Standard filly for Dutchessviews Farm and trainer Dominic Galluscio in the $45,000 allowance for New York-breds at six furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Vintage Label in the first, Whata Soldier and Crosscut in the second, and Excess Summer, West War and Four Checker in the third.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 0/31. Money: Previous day/meet total: $0/$165.60. Total money bet: $190.