Each year, as happens in most states, Canterbury Park sets aside a day to celebrate their own. In scope and size it's not CalCup Day or the Maryland Millions but it is a chance for Minnesota Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses and their connections to try and take down $400,000 in purses and stake their claim as champion of their division.
Over the next three days leading up to Festival Day I will be previewing the various races and then on Sunday I will be blogging live from Canterbury in much the same way as Claiming Crown Day, though I hope with a few more pictures and color. As you all know, I know next to nothing about Quarter Horse racing - except they are obscenely fast - so I won't be covering them in these previews.
The preview schedule is as follows:
TODAY: Minnesota Turf Championship; Minnesota Sprint Championship; Minnesota Distaff Sprint Championship
TOMORROW: Northern Lights Futurity; Northern Lights Debutante
SUNDAY: Minnesota Distaff Classic Championship; Minnesota Classic Championship
MINNESOTA TURF CHAMPIONSHIP
Distance: One Mile
Surface: Turf
Purse: $35,000
Seasahm (Eikleberry) - Been improving with every race. Could be peaking at the right time.
Jagan (Stevens) - Best efforts have been on the dirt recently.
Chaska (Rivera) - Abbreviated 2009 campaign has been less than impressive thus far.
Joni's Justice (Butler) - The Blair's Cove winner will no doubt try to wire this field. Could very well be loose on the lead.
Wally's Choice (Nolan) - Old warrior didn't fire in the Blair's Cove, but if someone can hook Joni, his style could fit nicely.
Sarahs Son (Bell) - Has been steady and solid this season in open and state-bred allowance company. Bell can rate him and should be in a nice position in the lane.
Sahm Valentine (Morales) - Drilled by over 20 lengths in last in state-bred allowance company, though that was on the dirt. Turf efforts have been better, but probably a cut below.
PICKS:
1. Joni's Justice
2. Sarahs Son
3. Seasahm
MINNESOTA DISTAFF SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIP
Distance: 6 furlongs
Surface: Dirt
Purse: $50,000
Silver Senorita (Nolan) - Only win this season has been over low level claimers.
Shot of Silver (Rivera) - Has made a habit of being close but only getting their occasionally in mid-level open claiming events.
Lady of Mischief (Eikleberry) - Been beaten by others in here often this year.
Bella Notte (Bell) - Speedy mare won the Lady Slipper earlier this season and simply romped in last. The one to catch in here.
Wasson Island (Ferrer) - Has had her issues when stepping up in class.
Holly in Summer (Stevens) - Low level claimer in over her head.
Thanks for the Tip (Butler) - Defending champ has not done much in 2009, but did finish second to the favorite in the Lady Slipper. May save her best for the biggies.
Dixie Princess (Jimenez) - Only second start of her maiden win and 4th lifetime. Will be tough if the track comes up messy.
PICKS:
1. Bella Notte
2. Shot of Silver
3. Thanks for the Tip
MINNESOTA SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIP
Distance: 6 furlongs
Surface: Dirt
Purse: $50,000
Wild Shifter (Nolan) - Should be on the engine early but has only been able to hold his speed against low level claimers.
Nomorewineforeddie (Eikleberry) - Wheeling back two weeks after win in the Schoepf. Similar effort here cold be a winner.
First Captain (Von Rosen) - Interesting gelding was sharp early in the meet but has struggled of late. Will need to return to form if he's going to be a threat.
Ice Rocket (Morales) - Last year's Futurity winner has only managed a low level claiming win this season. Best may be behind him.
Sir Tricky (Ferrer) - Classy, craft veteran has hit the board in three of four attempts this season. Will need his best to win here.
L'Etoile du Nord (Goodwin) - Speedy gelding will need to step it up a bit against these in stakes company.
A Steel Trap (Butler) - Picks up Butler and will be in the mix throughout.
Bizet (Bell) - Bounced back from Derby with a thrashing of allowance field in prep for here. Shorter distance should help.
PICKS:
1. Bizet
2. Nomorewineforeddie
3. A Steel Trap
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