In a sign of the rapidly improving health of the Minnesota breeding and racing industry, the MTA announced this past week that the number of registered broodmares jumped 77% from 2012 to 2013 according to numbers compiled by the Minnesota Racing Commission. All broodmares that will be foaling in Minnesota are required to be registered by March 15 of the year they will foal.
“These numbers are tremendous,” said MTA President Jay Dailey. “The cooperative marketing agreement between the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and Canterbury Park is really paying dividends throughout the Thoroughbred industry in Minnesota. This increase is a direct result of breeders recognizing that there is money to be made here. I know our membership has been very active in purchasing in-foal broodmares as well as broodmare prospects in anticipation of the excellent purses for future foals to be running for at Canterbury Park. I anticipate these numbers will continue to rise over the next few years as well.”
“The effect that the agreement between the SMSC and the racetrack can simply not be overstated,” Dailey said. “With trainers and owners clamoring for the available space, several six figure stakes and the foal crops on the rise, Minnesota is moving to become a significant player in the racing industry once again.”
Live Racing Stall Applications Set Record
The deadline for stall applications for Canterbury Park’s 2013 live racing season came and went this past Monday and more than 2,400 horses have applied for approximately 1,500 stalls. Management also announced this past week that Canterbury’s backside will open on April 15, a week earlier than originally planned, due to the increase in demand for stalls.
Road to Kentucky Heads to Turfway Park
Canterbury’s free-to-enter $30,000 Road to Kentucky handicapping contest continues Saturday at Turfway Park with the Spiral Stakes serving as the bonus race. First post is 12:10 p.m.
Last week, Ron White took down the top prize – the second time he has won a week this spring following a victory on the very first week of the 2013 Road to Kentucky. He currently stands in third place overall behind Jessica Rau and Ray Hassan.
Here’s a quick look at the Spiral Stakes:
Uncaptured is the slight 3-1 morning line favorite having notched six victories from seven starts including four on Woodbine’s synthetic surface – similar to the surface he’ll face on Saturday. He has two graded stakes victories and, if he makes a predictable jump forward in his 3-year-old bow, should be in the mix. Balance the Books is a stone cold closer often coming from the back of the pack. He may be up against it as there doesn’t appear to be a gluttony of speed signed on for this one. That lack of pace could make Mac the Man – a perfect 3 for 3 over the Turfway Surface – a threat on the front end. Maker, Mott, Lukas and Pletcher will also be represented when a full field of 12 heads to the gate. The prediction here is for some large exotic payoffs as this race is wide open.
