Charles Town schedules starter allowance series

Charles Town plans to host a series of starter allowance races beginning in March that will culminate in a $55,000 final on the undercard of the Grade 2, $1 million Charles Town Classic on April 14.

The Charles Town Starter Tournament, open to horses who have started for a claiming price of $5,000 or less since Jan. 1, 2011, will begin with four races worth $25,000 apiece that will be contested at 6 1/2 furlongs on March 3.

The top five finishers in each heat will advance to the two semifinals on March 24. Both the purse and distance of the semifinals will increase to a value of $30,000 and a distance of seven furlongs.

The top five finishers in each semifinal will then advance to the $55,000 Charles Town Starter Tournament Final, which will be run around three turns at 1 1/16 miles on April 14.

Nominations for the series will close on Feb. 18, with weights and quarterfinal races posted on Feb. 25.