Richest racing day, big fundraiser coincide Saturday at Canterbury

The fifth "Jockeys and Jeans'' event, an annual fundraiser for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, will be held Saturday at Canterbury Park for the first time. The benefit coincides with the Northern Stars Racing Festival, the richest day of racing this season at the Shakopee track.

When: Saturday, first post 6 p.m. Admission: $7 adults; free for those 17 and younger

• The $200,000 Mystic Lake Derby, which offers the largest purse of the season, headlines five stakes races. The $100,000 Mystic Lake Mile, $100,000 Lady Canterbury, $50,000 Hoist Her Flag and $50,000 Dark Star Cup also are part of the 10-race program.

• The 1-mile Mystic Lake Derby drew a full field of 14, including local favorite Mr. Jagermeister, who will race on turf for the first time. The fourth choice on the morning line at 8-1, the Valorie Lund-trained colt will attempt to become the first Minnesota-bred to win Canterbury's premier race. He will be stretching out to a mile for the first time in an eight-race career that includes four victories. Captivating Moon, the favorite, is coming off a pair of runner-up finishes in graded stakes and is owned by Bob Lothenbach of Wayzata.

• The Lady Canterbury drew eight entries, headed by graded stakes-placed favorite I'm Betty G and undefeated Sirenusa, whose three victories include Canterbury's Northbound Pride Oaks.

• Saturday's eighth race, the Jockey Challenge, features Hall of Fame rider Edgar Prado and past Canterbury riding champs Scott Stevens, Luis Quinonez, Dean Butler, Ry Eikleberry, Leandro Goncalves and Jareth Loveberry.

The "Jockeys and Jeans'' dinner, featuring Hall of Fame riders including Prado, Steve Cauthen, Laffit Pincay, Pat Day and Chris McCarron, will raise money for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, which gives financial assistance to riders whose injuries have ended their racing careers. A limited number of dinner tickets ($50) are available and include the opportunity to mingle with the riders and participate in a live auction.

Other events include the Jockeys and Jeans Poker Open tournament in Canterbury's card club (Saturday, 1:30 p.m.; entry fee $100) and a silent auction in the Canterbury grandstand. The Hall of Fame riders will sign autographs on the track level following the Mystic Lake Derby. The jockeys also will host a golf event Sunday at 9 a.m. at the Meadows at Mystic Lake (tickets $300; contact Andrew Offerman at aofferman@canterburypark.com to enter).

RACHEL BLOUNT