SHAKOPEE, MN – Nominations closed Friday for five stakes races that will be run at Canterbury Park Saturday, June 22. The five stakes making up the Mystic Lake Northern Stars Racing Festival will pay a total of $500,000 in purse money, with the eighth running of the Mystic Lake Derby offering $200,000 alone.
The Mystic Lake nominations list includes multiple horses from trainers Mike Maker, Larry Rivelli and Steve Asmussen with horses from the stables of Ken and Sarah Ramsey, Team Valor, Calumet Farm and Bloom Racing. The Ramseys and Maker teamed up last year to win the Derby with Sniper Kitten and could have Faraway Kitten in this year’s edition.
Nominations also include Spectralight, trained by Brian House, who is cross-nominated for the Lady Canterbury Stakes. She is the only filly to be nominated to the derby following a strong workout on the Canterbury turf June 13. Spectralight, bred in Ireland, has raced exclusively in Italy winning two stakes on the turf in 2018. Winning Number, also trained by House, has been nominated. He is undefeated in two dirt sprint races.
This year Sniper Kitten is nominated to the $100,000 Mystic Lake Mile, also on the Northern Stars card, to be run on the turf course. Other stakes besides the Mile and Derby include the $50,000 Hoist Her Flag Stakes (6 Furlongs over the dirt for fillies and mares); $50,000 Dark Star Cup (6.5 furlongs over the dirt); and the $100,000 Lady Canterbury (1 mile, fillies and mare on the turf).
Two time defending Hoist Her Flag champion, Puntsville, owned by S.D. Brilie Partnership Ltd is nominated to defend her title again Saturday evening.
“There are many quality horses nominated again this year,” said Stakes Coordinator Amber Fontenot. “We have had strong interest both locally and nationally. Full fields will make for an exciting night of racing under the stars.”
Handicappers are also included on Northern Stars night. The Canterbury Park Northern Stars Handicapping Contest is a one-day handicapping contest cover the night of racing at Canterbury.
First prize is $4,000 in cash and an entry to the Sept. 6 Ultimate NHC Qualifier ($550 value). Second through fourth place receive entry to the Sept. 6 Ultimate NHC Qualifier. The contest is a live bankroll contest with $500 to be wagered through the contest. Entrants must wager at least one-half of existing bankroll on each of six pre-determined Canterbury Park races that evening. Full details and rules can be found here.
There will be a special post time Saturday night of 5PM. The handicapping contest is scheduled to start no earlier than 5 PM as well.
