Canterbury: Holiday card still in doubt as state grapples with finances

SHAKOPEE, Minn. – With several racing cards at Canterbury Park already lost to the Minnesota state shutdown, Monday’s program was in danger of being canceled as of Saturday afternoon. Canterbury management on Saturday was awaiting a Ramsey County court ruling on a motion presented before Judge Kathleen Gearin on Friday morning that the Minnesota Racing Commission be allowed to remain reopen for business and that racing should be allowed to resume.

Canterbury lost Friday and Saturday’s cards to the shutdown and the fate of Sunday’s and Monday’s cards were in limbo as of Saturday. Canterbury is arguing that since the racing commission is entirely funded by the racing industry, receives no money from the general fund, and has already been reimbursed for expected July expenses, the track should be allowed to continue to operate during the shutdown.

Two one-mile turf stakes races are scheduled on Monday, the $50,000 Dean Kutz Derby for 3-year olds and the Minnesota HBPA Mile for fillies and mares 3-years old and up.

The Dean Kutz features a rematch between the top two finishers in the Prairie Meadows Mile. Both Wild Jacob and Fairing came off the pace with Wild Jacob prevailing by half a length after Fairing opened up two at the top of the lane. The rematch moves to the turf, where Fairing has a win in a $100,000 optional claimer at Remington while Wild Jacob makes his turf debut.

El Seventyseven soared off to a nearl 10-length maiden victory at Canterbury last out. A son of Stormy Atlantic, he should take to the turf, though this will be his first two turn start. Corporate Charlie, 1 for 1 in his career, and Cactus Son should be active on the front to ensure a solid pace, while turf miler Ambassador of War, Rys Alley Cat, Rafe and maiden Future Empire round out the field.

The morning line favorite for the MNHBPA Mile is Rare Sunset. After sprinting early in the year, she 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.

Second choice Punta Ballerina is 1 for 1 over the Canterbury Park turf course. Punta Ballerina finished a closing second in her first start back after a brief freshener and gets back on the grass for the stakes.

Three year old Northbound Pride Oaks winner Tourmaline, turf-debuting Hawkeyes Handicap winner Go Milan Go, Glendale Handicap winner Cell Line Forever, speedy Mesa Mirage, Tickleyourfancy, Monstrip, and Jalal complete the lineup.