The tenth annual Claiming Crown, which will be held on August 2 at Canterbury Park, drew 279 nominations.

The Claiming Crown is a seven-race series of open stakes races for horses that have started in 2007-‘08 for claiming prices ranging from $7,500 or less to $35,000. Purses for the Claiming Crown races range from $50,000 to $150,000 and total $600,000.

Claiming Crown races include three six-furlong dirt sprints, two 1 1/16-mile turf races, a 1 1/16-mile main-track race, and the event’s feature race, the Jewel Stakes, a 1 1/8-mile race on the main track. Miami Sunrise, the winner of last year’s Jewel, ran for a $10,000 claiming price prior to his Claiming Crown victory.

The event will return to its normal site at the Shakopee, Minnesota, track after being hosted by Ellis Park in Henderson, Kentucky, last year. The Claiming Crown is a joint venture between the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and the National Horseman’s Benevolent and Protective Association.

“Everyone involved with Claiming Crown is excited about going back to Canterbury Park this year,” said TOBA president Dan Metzger.

The list of Claiming Crown nominees features three returning winners from last year, including Iron Horse Stakes winner Bargainwiththdevil and Emerald Stakes winner One Eyed Joker, both of whom are trained by Mike Maker. Maker also trains Miami Sunrise.

Glass Slipper Stakes winner Adore You is also nominated to defend her title.
Fields for the races are expected to feature horses that have raced in 18 different states and Canada. Pre-entries for the Claiming Crown are due by July 23.