Canterbury card remains at mercy of budget stalemate

SHAKOPEE, MN – Given a favorable ruling or a legislative resolution of the Minnesota budget stalemate, the rescheduled Minnesota HBPA Mile will be run at Canterbury Park on Sunday. As of mid-afternoon Friday, no ruling had been made, and Saturday’s race card had been canceled.

The Minnesota Racing Commission, the government body that oversees operations at the track, closed with virtually the rest of state government on July 1 dbecause of the failure of the Governor and state legislature to agree upon a budget. The track filed a motion, which was denied, to keep the track open on the grounds that the commission is self-funded by its licensees, does not need a formal appropriation to operate and the tracks have paid the state in advance for July services. Attorneys for the track and horsemen filed a petition on July 6 for reconsideration, admitting additional facts in a brief that they hope will allow Ramsey County District Court Judge Kathleen Gearin to overturn her original decision.

The redrawn mile on the turf, originally scheduled for July 4th, has drawn a full field of twelve fillies and mares.

The morning-line favorite for the Minnesota HBPA Mile is Punta Ballena, who is 1 for 1 over the Canterbury Park turf course. Punta Ballena finished a closing second in her first start back after a brief freshener and gets back on the grass for the stakes.

After sprinting early in the year, second choice Rare Sunset responded very well to another turn last out, earning her lifetime-best Beyer in a $16,000 optional claiming race over the this course when she took command early and never looked back.

Monslewn is looking to stay an undefeated on the turf and run her winning streak to five. She will look to be in position with the favorite behind Rare Sunset. Others looking to get out on the engine should be Mesa Mirage and Texas Country Doll, making her seasonal debut.

Glendale Handicap winner Cell Line Forever will be looking to come off the pace and should be happy to be back on the turf. Harem Dancer will be looking for three in a row after a solid allowance score in her prep. Minnesota Mafia, Tickleyourfancy, Sasha’s Fierce, Samantha’s Rule, and Jalal round out the entries.

A decision on the running of Sunday’s card is expected to be made during the day on Saturday.