Opening Day

The ponies are back. For the third straight year, the first day of racing at Canterbury Park coincides with the Kentucky Derby. While Big Brown and Pyro duel in horseracing's most prestigious stakes race, the more humble thoroughbreds stabled at Shakopee will be looking to claim their first spot in the winner's circle. Derek Bell, who has been the track's top jockey five of the last seven seasons, will once again be aboard many top mounts. Trainer Mac Robertson, whose horses finished in the money a remarkable 71 percent of the time last year, will surely continue claiming many purses. Racing continues through Labor Day. $5. First post is 1:30 p.m.
Sat., May 3, 1:30 p.m., 2008