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Approaching Final Week Of Racing, Canterbury’s 2020 Handle Already $15 Million Above 2019 Record

Canterbury Park's 53-day horse racing season will conclude with 4:00 p.m. post times on Wednesday and Thursday. Each evening, 13 thoroughbred races will be run. A total of 247 horses were entered over the two programs for an average field size of 9.5, exceeding the season average of 7.2 horses per race.

The racing season, in jeopardy this spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was postponed and subsequently shortened from the planned 65-days. The meet began June 10. Track officials abandoned weekend racing and shifted to a Monday through Thursday schedule where there would be less competition nationally for the wagering dollar. On-track business suffered as capacity was limited to 750 spectators, substantially below the 2019 average attendance of 6,592, however wagering handle soared due to the schedule change as horseplayers across the country bet on Canterbury's races in unprecedented numbers. Handle this season has already exceeded 2019's record $48 million, with $63.8 million bet during the first 51 days and an additional $4 to $5 million expected over the final two days.

“It was crucial to the Minnesota horse racing and breeding industry that Canterbury Park conduct a meet in 2020,” Vice President of Racing Andrew Offerman said. “The support and guidance of the Minnesota Racing Commission and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture was very helpful as we found a way to make racing a reality in the current environment. The horsemen have been very supportive throughout the summer and operated in a manner that kept all participants safe. The efforts of the Canterbury staff must also be acknowledged as they have put in long hours implementing our safety plans.”

Wednesday's program is highlighted by a $41,427 carryover in the 10% Takeout Pick 5 pool. The 50-cent base wager begins with the ninth race. Track officials anticipate the pool could swell to $250,000, far exceeding the average pool of nearly $75,000. Thursday features two $50,000 stakes races, the Tom Metzen HBPA Sprint and the Shakopee Juvenile.

Trainer Joel Berndt is on the cusp of winning his first leading trainer title at Canterbury, holding a 40 to 32 edge over 13-time champion Mac Robertson. Berndt has 28 horses entered, Robertson 17. Jockey Ry Eikleberry seeks his third riding title, he was best in 2014 and 2018, as he leads last year's top jockey Francisco Arrieta by five wins, 71 to 66. While the lead is daunting it is not insurmountable with Arrieta named on horses in all 26 races. Eikleberry has 22 mounts.

Limited seating remains available and tickets can be purchased in advance at www.canterburypark.com .

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Son of Nereid Steps Out at Sandown

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Wednesday’s Insights features a son of GISW Nereid (Rock Hard Ten).

2.50 Sandown, Novice, £8,000, 2yo, 8fT
CASTLEBAR (IRE) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) at €460,000 was one of last year’s leading lights at the Goffs Orby and he has joined Charlie Appleby’s Godolphin ranks. From the family of the G1 Golden Jubilee S. hero Malhub (Kingmambo), the February-foal bay meets Qatar Racing’s €400,000 Arqana October graduate Marine (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}), an Andrew Balding-trained colt whose dam is a half to Danedream (Ger) (Lomitas {GB}).

3.25 Sandown, Novice, £10,000, 2yo, 7fT
EBNZAIDOON (Speightstown) is a $825,000 Keeneland September graduate who represents the John Gosden stable successful in this 12 months ago with Palace Pier (GB) (Kingman {GB}). Shadwell’s May-foaled chestnut, who is a son of the GI American Oaks dead-heater Nereid (Rock Hard Ten), encounters seven rivals on this debut.

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Telecaster Camp Eyes Arc Bid

Castle Down Racing’s Telecaster (GB) (New Approach {Ire}), who won the G3 La Coupe on June 25 and the G2 Grand Prix de Deauville two starts later on Aug. 30, is a potential contender for the G1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, trainer Hughie Morrison announced on Tuesday. The 4-year-old colt also won the G2 Dante S. last term.

“It’s definitely a possibility that he could go,” said Morrison. “Nothing really sprang out of the trials to put us off. The filly who won the [G1 Prix] Vermeille [Tarnawa (Ire) (Shamardal)] was impressive, but connections said afterwards that was her day. On quick ground the Vermeille was run three or four lengths quicker than the Foy. You might not be able to take that literally, but given all the results I think we have a right to be there.

“It was heavy when we won at Deauville so if it was soft that would be in our favour, I think–we wouldn’t want it quick, but hopefully at that time of year it wouldn’t be anyway.

“It all seemed to click last time, he seems to have taken the race very well. We’re realistic, but the owner quite rightly feels finishing third in the Arc might be viewed better than a Group 1 anywhere else in the world at this time of yea–bar the [Oct. 17 G1] Champion S.”

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Breeders’ Cup Classic Rankings for Sept. 15

Each week a panel of media members, horseplayers, and Breeders’ Cup World Championships officials release a poll tabulating their votes on the nation's top contenders for the 2020 Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic.