Mohawk Conducts Draw for 29th North America Cup

With drawmaster Michael Del Zotto, the defenseman for the New York Rangers, at the side of the Mohawk executives, ten of the seasons top sophomore pacers received their posts for the 29^th edition of the Pepsi North America Cup.

Listed below is the field:

1 Bettors Edge             Tim Tetrick           Linda Toscano

2 Dapper Dude            John Campbell      Bob McIntosh

3 Time To Roll           Andy Miller           Jimmy Takter 

4 Sweet Lou                Dave Palone          Ron Burke

5 Thinking Out Loud  Randall Waples     Bob McIntosh

6 State Treasurer         David Miller         Dr. Ian Moore

7 A Rocknroll Dance  Yannick Gingras   James Mulinix

8 Warawee Needy       Jody Jamieson      Carl Jamieson

9 Pet Rock                   Brian Sears           Virgil Morgan Jr.

10 Simply Business     Ron Pierce            Jimmy Takter

All eyes are on Sweet Lou, as he dominated in his elimination, pacing a 1:47.4 mile and setting a stakes, track and Canadian record. Although its impressive, its possible that he won’t have as much in his tank for the final as he did in the elimination.

“The thing I like most about him was that it was a track record, but the thing I dislike most is that there were horses behind him. I think this year’s crop is the best crop in a long time. Its not just going to be the two of us, everybody has a chance. This is the best week he’s had as he’s had a little bit of a virus, but it went away; his temperatures back to normal. Everything seems to be on go, so hopefully he’ll be sharp and ready,” trainer Ron Burke said, after choosing post 4 for Sweet Lou.

As usual, I attempt to choose against the favorite as Sweet Lou has a great chance of loosing. Its possible that he can follow the route of Rock N Roll Heaven, which is what I believe.

Last year, Jimmy Takter sent out Simply Business, a 20-1 shot who looked like he had no shot. He came into the stretch of the Metro final and flew by A Rocknroll Dance. It seems that this colt’s best races come in major finals and not the eliminations. Although he drew post 10, which I might add has not won a race the entire meet at Mohawk, he should be able to defy the odds once more and pull of major spoils in the North American Classic.

Also with a shot is the Art Rooney champion Pet Rock. As the luck of the draw was unkind to the mid-pack pacer, he may have to close this time. This makes a lot of sense as there are many speed demons, such as Sweet Lou, Warawee Needy and A Rocknroll Dance, that will be vying for the top spot and control the tempo to their advantage. How the race seems it will go in my head is that it will set up for closers. Simply Business and Pet Rock are two pacers in the field that I know can close well. Watch out for these two as North America Cup XXIX will be the year of the upset.

Also on feature is the $642,000 Fan Hanover for sophomore filly pacers. Here is the field (drivers were not available at time of draw).

1 Angel Scent
2 Legal Entity
3 Big McDeal
4 Romantic Moment
5 American Jewel
6 Jet Wash
7 Pirouette Hanover
8 Shelliscape
9 Economy Terror
10 Kiss Dont Bite

American Jewel proved that after injury, she is still at the top of the division. But a wise man once told me that, “The best horse doesn’t always win.” That wise man obviously didn’t know how generic that quote was, so he’s more of an ordinary bystander. Any person can tell you that quote. So can I.

One horse that can give American Jewel a run for her money is Angel Scent. Coming from post 8, Angel Scent went a tough first over to clear the top through a :26.4 opening quarter. She slowed the tempo while she led the field. It wasn’t until Pirouette Hanover swooped by that she started to pick up the tempo. She will likely get a pocket trip and be let loose into the stretch.

 
Another game competitor is Pirouette Hanover. She challenged Angel Scent, took the lead and lost it to Romantic Moment, who got the perfect trip in that elimination. She will need to get a pocket trip, get cover and she’ll win like she did in the Sweetheart last year.