Claiming Crown adds twist to schedule

Ellis Park has released its 2007 stakes schedule, featuring the Claiming Crown series and the "Big Four" program anchored by the Gardenia Handicap.

The $575,000 Claiming Crown, normally held at Canterbury Park in Minnesota, is being run for the first time in Kentucky. The seven-race program is scheduled for Aug. 4.

The Grade 3, $150,000 Gardenia, the lone graded race at the Henderson, Ky., track, is one of four stakes to be run Aug. 18.

The 2007 meet runs from July 4 through Sept. 3 and will be the first under new owner Ron Geary and new racing secretary Dan Bork.