Colonial Downs hosts Claiming Crown Showcase Day qualifiers

Colonial Downs is hosting the Claiming Crown Showcase Day, featuring nine qualifier races with total purses amounting to $612,500. The top two finishers in each qualifier will earn automatic berths to the 28th Claiming Crown, scheduled for November 14 at Churchill Downs.

Trainer Joe Sharp enters the event with five starters across four qualifiers. Sharp, who has won four Claiming Crown races since 2022, is highlighted by Coquito, the 9-5 favorite in the $50,000 Glass Slipper Qualifier. Other notable entries include Excel Calculator in the $62,500 Rapid Transit Qualifier.

Past winners Concrete Glory, Curlin’s Malibu, and Shape Note are also competing in the undercard qualifiers to secure return trips to Churchill Downs. Concrete Glory, the 2025 Claiming Crown Horse of the Year, is the 9-5 favorite in the $50,000 Ready’s Rocket Express Qualifier. Defending qualifier winners Cadet Corps and One Time Willard are also set to compete in the Jewel and Emerald qualifiers, respectively.