In a surprising development, the New York Racing Association on Thursday afternoon canceled Friday’s nine-race card in anticipation of heavy rain “to ensure the track surfaces are in optimal condition for Saturday’s card, which features six graded stakes, all part of the Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’ Challenge Series,” according to a NYRA press release.

Those races, worth a total of $3.4 million in purses, are the Grade 2 Kelso and the Vosburgh, Beldame, Flower Bowl, Joe Hirsch Turf Classic and Jockey Club Gold Cup, all Grade 1 events.

Also tomorrow, Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to release the long-awaited task force report on the horse fatalities last winter at Aqueduct.