Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., has raised its bottom level claiming price from $5,000 to $6,250 for the 2018 season that opens in January, the track announced Thursday. The track also has made changes to some of its eligiblity rules. For example, horses must have started for a tag higher than $5,000 - or have run first through fourth for that price - to be eligible to enter or be stabled at Oaklawn. 

In addition, maidens must have started for a claiming price of more than $7,500 - or run second through fourth for that price - to be considered for a stall. Maidens who are 6 and horses who are 10 or older will not be allowed to start unless they receive advance approval from the stewards and the racing secretary at Oaklawn.

Details of the eligibiity changes are on the stall applications that are now available from Oaklawn. 

Oaklawn projects purses will total $30 million for the 57-date season that opens Jan. 12 and continues through April 14.