North America's Finest

This is a talented group of glamour-boy pacers, proven by the Somebeachsomewhere divisions last week that prepped most of them. Those three splits, all won by outsiders, were not flukes; this crop is already showing deep star power.  

In the first elimination “Cup,” Big Jim will be the likely favorite in his group. Since he was defeated last time, he may continue to be vulnerable to other striking pacers. Which is why Powerful Mist looks plenty the best here. He came first over at three-quarters in the “Somebeach” where “Jim” was defeated. That three-quarters went in 1:21.3, quarter in :27.1. He went a little too fast in that event. Seeing that, driver Tim Tetrick may change his strategy when he drives “Mist” against Jim again. Just how good is Custard The Dragon? It would be no surprise to see him getting into the final (top three in each split and fastest of the fourths make the 10-horse final field). 

The second elim is the toughest of the trio because you have Feel Like A Fool in here, along with Betterthanchedder, Up The Credit, Grams Legacy, Eighteen, Lookinforadventure, Townslight Hanover and Shadyshark Hanover. This field may be very aggressive; someone may set a track record. But if there were one to watch, it would have to be Lookinforadventure. He is still an improving horse and may show his best to get into the Cup. Also expect a big move from Up The Credit.

In the last elim, Roll With Joe looks as if he will be the favorite for beating Betterthanchedder last week. But there is still no clear favorite. Since it is like that, you got to go with Big Bad John. He is an improving colt. Also watch Wink N Atcha.  Check out the Facebook Twinspires page for our projected final Cup field.

Saturday, at Mohawk, the glamour-girl filly pacers, led by the star of stars, See You At Peelers. Just off the Yonkers win against some mediocre soph pacers, “Peelers” has little to combat in the first Fan Hanover elimination of the program.  

If you want to key Peelers, on top of exotics, then Honky Tonk Woman is the choice. She is an improving horse. If you are brave enough, you would put her on top.  

In the second elim, it looks like Krispy Apple will be the favorite and although hard to beat, Rocklamation looks like she is improving at three. We cashed in well with her at two and support her as a possible upset.  

In the third split, Cammile is the likely favorite and certainly one to beat. This field is just not that good, which is why Cammile will be the huge choice. What’s New Pussycat is showing signs of life for an exotic or upset if you get brave, else it is a pass.