Quick TIPS - Woodbine Entertainment Group

Quick TIPS A plethora of advice and selections from our expert handicappers.

IT DOESN’T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS Welcome to a 15-race card positively bursting with nearly $2.7 million in purses and the very best in equine and human harness racing talent, all at one of the sport’s greatest venues. Do nights get much better than the Pepsi North America Cup card at Mohawk Racetrack? We’ll we’d certainly like to try to make this night better for you by providing you with a slew of tips not only for trying to cash in the $1 million main event itself, but the other four big stakes on the card, too. In the spirit of the friendly cross-border rivalry that gave birth to this race, we’d like to think we’ve assembled some of the finest handicappers on the continent to break down not only the richest pacing event on the continent, but also the Goodtimes, Fan Hanover, Armbro Flight and Roses Are Red, too. The goal is to help you turn Canada’s greatest night of harness racing into a profitable one, too. Many thanks to Canada’s Ken Middleton, Jr., Greg Gangle, Dawn Lupul, Mark McKelvie and Greg Blanchard, along with our American friends Darin Zoccali, Sam McKee and Bob Heyden from the New Meadowlands Racetrack for breaking it all down for us. Cheers and best of racing luck. Dave Briggs President, Canadian Chapter of the United States Harness Writers’ Association

IF YOU ONLY HAVE

BEST ADVICE SAM MCKEE: “Practically every race is just loaded with top quality horses. Have the courage to back whoever you like and not be swayed by high odds. A handful of races will have wild finishes with numerous horses having a chance.” MARK MCKELVIE: “The big money is on the line tonight and there will be plenty of action. Things are bound to get wild in these races, so consider all angles and don’t be afraid to try and beat the logical choice.” KEN MIDDLETON, JR.: “Don’t bail on horses that disappointed as odds-on faves in last week’s elims, including JK Shesalady and Artspeak. Clearly, they had problems that can be addressed, just like last year’s NA Cup winner, JK Endofanera, who clicked at 12-1.”

LOCK

OF THE NIGHT

SAM MCKEE: RACE 5 — 5 BEE A MAGICIAN MARK MCKELVIE: RACE 3 — 4 CANEPA HANOVER KEN MIDDLETON, JR.: RACE 3 — 4 CANEPA HANOVER DARIN ZOCCALI: RACE 5 — 5 BEE A MAGICIAN GREG BLANCHARD: RACE 3 — 4 CANEPA HANOVER GREG GANGLE: RACE 3 — 4 CANEPA HANOVER DAWN LUPUL: RACE 3 — 4 CANEPA HANOVER BOB HEYDEN: RACE 5 — Box up the two female U.S. Trotters of the Year — 3 SHAKE IT CERRY and 5 BEE A MAGICIAN.

DARIN ZOCCALI: “Manage your bankroll wisely as there are a couple of races where the obvious choice will be the right one. Build your tickets around those races.” GREG BLANCHARD: “Find favourites who had easy fractions in elimination wins. They can be good to play against on night’s like this.” GREG GANGLE: “If you’re playing the Pick 4 wagers, don’t be shy to go a little deeper with your ticket selections and perhaps find some price horses. You will be playing into generous size pools that could result in large payouts.” DAWN LUPUL: “Find one horse that you really like tonight and then create some tickets around him such as Pick 4s and Pick 3’s because the 20 cent option allows you to cover more options.” BOB HEYDEN: “The cream always rises — especially on this night. The top-of-the-line drivers step it up even another notch as they reach just a bit further for the Oscar. Go right to the leaders page (or surf the net) and find out who the best in North America are and stop right there.”

$20 TO WAGER...

LONG BOMB PICK SAM MCKEE: RACE 10 — 9 BETTOREVER – “Stone cold rallier tries his heart out and keeps on coming in the late stages. Dependent on pace and trip, but chances are good we’ll see the former and he can be in a live flow.” MARK MCKELVIE: RACE 2 — 1 WINDS OF CHANGE — “He picked up his first win of his four-yearold season last week and although he faces a tougher group, he’s always showed potential and could breakthrough for another win.” KEN MIDDLETON, JR.: RACE 4 — 8 PHYSICALLYINCLINED — “Was stymied in traffic last week, but flew home late. Look for a different approach tonight.” DARIN ZOCCALI: RACE 10 — 7 THINKING OUT LOUD — “North America Cup winner wasn’t as sharp in his last start, but he has a knack for showing up in the big spots and this would qualify as one.” GREG BLANCHARD: RACE 4 — 1 DRACHAN HANOVER

SAM MCKEE: “4th race $2 exactor 9/1,4,5,6,7 and $2 exactor 1,4,5,6,7/9” MARK MCKELVIE: “I would wager $20 to win on #5 JK Shesalady in Race 11. I expect the reigning Horse of the Year to bounce back after her loss last week and to be offering likely the best price of her career.” KEN MIDDLETON, JR. “I’d follow my own advice and bet $10 to win on JK Shesalady (Race 11 - #5) and $10 to win on Artspeak (Race 12 - #10).” DARIN ZOCCALI: “I would play a Pick 3 in Races 10, 11 and 12. I would single Wiggle It Jiggleit, while playing against JK She’salady at short price and using maximum depth in the Mohawk Gold Cup.” GREG BLANCHARD: “(Race 5) - $5 Triactors 5-2-3, 5-2-4, 5-3-2, 5-4-2” GREG GANGLE: “Spend it on the Pepsi North America Cup and cheer on Canada’s richest race. $20 to win on Wiggle It Jiggleit.” DAWN LUPUL: “Take the Takter triactor in race 3 - $10 using 4-3-7 and $10 with 4-7-3.” BOB HEYDEN: “11th race $1 Trifecta box 3-5-6, $2 exacta box 3-6 — $10. Third race $5 Trifecta Key 4 over 1 & 3 — $10.”

GREG GANGLE: RACE 6 — 8 PUSH BACK — “This horse likes to make speed and will benefit from Yannick Gingras in the bike. Let’s hope for a price.” DAWN LUPUL: RACE 5 — 4 ROCKIN WITH DEWEY — “Figures to get a good trip from that post and she has trotted fast enough miles in the past to be close.” BOB HEYDEN: RACE 11 — 6 SOLAR SISTER — “Many will be looking for the bounce-back effort from HOY JK Shesalady, or a continued show of excellence from the Breeders Crown runnerup Sassa Hanover. But let’s not overlook the filly who was perfect at three until last week — Solar Sister. Not only was her dam (Cabrini Hanover) the winner of this race in 2005, but the connections —the father-son team of Gregg and Doug McNair — just sent out the 2013 filly of the year Precocious Beauty.”

1 26624_NACupHandicap.indd 1

2015-06-17 10:10 AM

Pick 4

There are two Pick-4 wagers on tonight’s card, an Early Pick-4 (races 4-7) and a Late Pick-4 (races 9-12). The Early Pick-4 has a $50,000 guarantee and the Late Pick-4 has a $100,000 guarantee.

Sam McKee

Mark McKelvie

Ken Middleton, Jr.

Darin Zoccali

EARLY PICK-4 TICKET

EARLY PICK-4 TICKET

EARLY PICK-4 TICKET

EARLY PICK-4 TICKET

RACE 4 — 4, 6, 7, 9

RACE 4 — 4, 5

RACE 4 — 4, 5, 8

RACE 4 — 4, 5, 8

RACE 5 — 5

RACE 5 — 3, 5

RACE 5 — 2, 3, 5

RACE 5 — 5

RACE 6 — 1, 2, 4, 6

RACE 6 — 4, 6, 8, 9

RACE 6 — 1, 4, 6

RACE 6 — ALL

RACE 7 — 5, 8

RACE 7 — 4, 5, 7

RACE 7 — 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9

RACE 7 — 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9

COST: $32 (or $6.40 for $0.20 option)




LATE PICK-4 TICKET

LATE PICK-4 TICKET

RACE 9 — 5, 7

RACE 9 — 3, 5, 8

LATE PICK-4 TICKET

LATE PICK-4 TICKET

RACE 10 — 6, 7, 8, 9

RACE 10 — 1, 2, 4, 7, 8

RACE 9 — 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

RACE 9 — 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

RACE 11 — 3, 5

RACE 11 — 5

RACE 10 — ALL

RACE 10 — 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10

RACE 12 — 3

RACE 12 — 2, 3, 10

RACE 11 — 5

RACE 11 — 2, 3, 4


COST: $45 (or $9 for $0.20 option)

RACE 12 — 2, 3, 10

RACE 12 — 3



Greg Blanchard

Dawn Lupul

Greg Gangle

Bob Heyden

EARLY PICK-4 TICKET

EARLY PICK-4 TICKET

EARLY PICK-4 TICKET

RACE 4 — 1, 2, 4, 5, 8

RACE 4 — 4, 5, 8, 9

RACE 4 — 2, 4, 5

RACE 4 — 2, 4, 5

RACE 5 — 2, 5

RACE 5 — 3, 5

RACE 5 — 5

RACE 5 — 3, 5

RACE 6 — 3, 4, 5, 6, 8

RACE 6 — 2, 4, 6, 8

RACE 6 — 4, 6

RACE 6 — 2, 4, 6

RACE 7 — 1, 4, 5, 6

RACE 7 — 3, 4, 7

RACE 7 — 1, 4, 7, 9

RACE 7 — 1, 5, 8, 9





EARLY PICK-4 TICKET

LATE PICK-4 TICKET RACE 9 — 2, 3, 5, 8 RACE 10 — ALL RACE 11 — 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 RACE 12 — 3 COST: $240 (or $48 for $0.20 option)

LATE PICK-4 TICKET

LATE PICK-4 TICKET

RACE 9 — 3, 7

RACE 9 — 3, 5, 8

RACE 10 — 2, 4, 6, 8

RACE 10 — 1, 2, 4, 5, 10

RACE 11 — 3, 5

RACE 11 — 3, 5, 7

RACE 12 — 2, 3, 5

RACE 12 — 2, 3



LATE PICK-4 TICKET RACE 9 — 5, 6, 8 RACE 10 — 1, 2, 9, 10 RACE 11 — 3, 5, 6 RACE 12 — 2, 3, 10 COST: $108 (or $21.60 for $0.20 option)


2015-06-17 10:10 AM

e3 Ra c

$

233,000

GOODTIMES warm up pad: WHITE

HEAD #

1 2

Hemi Seelster (30-1)

Dawn Lupul

Bob Heyden

Selections: 4 - 3 - 7 - 10

Selections: 4 - 3 - 5 - 1

Driver: Trevor Henry Trainer: Chris Beaver

4 CANEPA HANOVER – Careful Canepa, your pedigree is showing! What a monster this son of Muscle Hill is becoming. Following in the footsteps of half-brother Glidemaster, he seems to have finally put it all together. He will be a short price, but looks like a slam-dunk.

4 CANEPA HANOVER – Was off in a world of his own in his elim. Takter has won this race twice, and last year’s complete 1:51.3 domination by Trixton was parlayed into Hambletonian glory. This high-ticket yearling son of 2009 HOY Muscle Hill has no detours tonight.

French Laundry (2-1)

3 FRENCH LAUNDRY – Won as handily as could be in his elimination and was well within himself. Capable of 1:52 speed, the Muscles Yankee mister is fresh and will give his stablemate a test. With the right kind of trip he may get all of the glory.

3 FRENCH LAUNDRY – Completes the Takter exacta — surprise! — He’s got an experience edge over most of these and should have a clear part to the bridesmaid ticket. Sire Muscles Yankee won this race in 2009 with Federal Flex.

7 THE BANK – Completing the Takter triactor, this Donato Hanover colt minded his manners last race and trotted home in a solid :28.2, but couldn’t get close to soiling the Laundry’s victory. He has talent but seems to be a step behind the other two Takter titans.

5 COVERT OPERATIVES – Is a son of 2008 Hambletonian winner Deweycheatumnhowe and cashes each start. Randy Waples has an improving colt on his hands here and can shock some and hit the board.

Driver: Steve Byron Trainer: John Bax

Caulfield (30-1)

Driver: Brett Miller Trainer: Jimmy Takter

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Canepa Hanover (2-5) Driver: Yannick Gingras Trainer: Jimmy Takter

10 IRON – Goes from the inside post to the far outside and that is a challenging task for him to overcome. He will need to dig deep and find one of his 27-second last quarters to get into the superfecta.

1 HEMI SEELSTER – Is by Holiday Road, the Peter Haughton record setter (1:54) the same day his stablemate (Muscle Hill) won the Hambletonian in 1:50.1. It is only fitting trainer John Bax get money in a race named for his $2.2 million-winning iron-tough son of Balanced Image.

Ken Middleton, Jr.

Mark McKelvie


Selections: 4 - 3 - 10 - 7

Driver: Jimmy Takter Trainer: Jimmy Takter

4 CANEPA HANOVER – Was on cruise control in his elimination for the tandem of Takter and Gingras. The regally-bred colt is hard to look past considering how easily he won in that assignment. Expect a big effort at a very short price.

4 CANEPA HANOVER – Has looked like an absolute monster this season and his elimination victory was jaw dropping. The well-bred son of Muscle Hill has amazing speed and Gingras has yet to ask him for it. With good conditions, expect the track record to fall.

Win The Day (20-1)

3 FRENCH LAUNDRY – Had no problem disposing of the six foes he faced in last week’s elimination. He wasn’t as quick as his stablemate, but he was impressive in his own right. It should be a Takter exactor in this rich tilt.

3 FRENCH LAUNDRY – Is a member of the powerful Takter three-year-old trotting army. He was sharp last week in winning his elimination, but I can’t see him taking down his stablemate tonight. He does know how to win and you can’t overlook that.

6 RUBBER DUCK – Was a distant third to my top pick in last week’s elimination round, and I think he’s good enough to crack the top three again. He was a late bloomer last year, and he’s made steady progress so far this season.

10 IRON – I will look for this Frank Antonacci trainee to break up a possible Takter triactor. Last week’s elimination was just his second start of the season and he should be even better tonight. Tough post for him, but should finish up well for a minor share.

7 THE BANK – Appears to be the weakest of Takter’s three-headed monster in this rich affair, but he’s still good enough to make his presence felt, just like he did last week when finishing second to stablemate French Laundry.

7 THE BANK – Is the third-best starter in tonight’s final from the Takter barn and is likely the third-best horse in the race. He rebounded well last week for a second-place finish and I think he will be placed close early with his stablemates.

Covert Operative (30-1) Driver: Randy Waples Trainer: Per Henriksen

Rubber Duck (20-1) Driver: Sylvain Filion Trainer: Julie Walker

The Bank (10-1)

Driver: Chris Christoforou Trainer: Paul Reid

Olympic Son (30-1) Driver: John Campbell Trainer: Paul Reid

Iron (12-1) Driver: Tim Tetrick Trainer: Frank Antonacci


2015-06-17 10:10 AM

e5 Ra c

$

272,000

ARMBRO FLIGHT warm up pad: BLACK

HEAD #

1 2

Bax Of Life (20-1)

Greg Gangle

Darin Zoccali



Driver: Tim Tetrick Trainer: Christopher Oakes

5 BEE A MAGICIAN – Was a dominating winner last week in her elim and is arguably the top older trotter this season of both mare and female divisions. She defeated the boys in the Cutler and TVG and is clearly the one to defeat in this rich final.

Shake It Cerry (5-2)

3 SHAKE IT CERRY – Looks like Bee A Magician’s main threat as she captured the other split. The trotting lass has some momentum after winning three straight and the Takter/Gingras duo can never be counted out. If you’re looking for a minor upset, she’s the one.

5 BEE A MAGICIAN - Her only loss this season came at the hands of Father Patrick and off her performance in the elimination, it is incredibly difficult to pick against her in this spot. Sears will have many options for what he wants to do given her versatility. She’s strictly the one to beat.

Driver: Chris Christoforou Trainer: Jerry Duford

Classic Martine (8-1)

Driver: Yannick Gingras Trainer: Jimmy Takter

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Rockin With Dewey (10-1) Driver: Mario Baillargeon Trainer: Benoit Baillargeon

Bee A Magician (3-5)

2 CLASSIC MARTINE – Captured last year’s edition for trainer Chris Oakes and driver Tim Tetrick. This year, the talented miss likely will offer a healthier price and benefits from an inside post despite not winning her elim. Look for her to be up close. 4 ROCKIN WITH DEWEY – Finished third in last year’s classic at 87-1 and will offer another double digit price again tonight. The local mare has home court advantage and draws inside for Team Baillargeon. She’s been at her best in recent weeks and I wouldn’t count her off the triactor/superfecta ticket.

6 CHARMED LIFE - This mare has always shown talent and the ability to compete at this level. Her elimination was quite good and I liked how she rallied into the race. She will provide a needed boost to the exotics at what should be a decent price. 3 SHAKE IT CERRY - She certainly hasn’t done anything wrong of late and her elimination was excellent. The chess match between her and Bee A Magician will be very interesting. Regardless, I think Bee is a little bit better right now. 2 CLASSIC MARTINE - She will probably be overlooked in this spot a bit and if that elimination sharpened her up, she could be very dangerous. At this time last year, she was the best of this division. She wouldn’t surprise me in the least and must be included on all tickets.

Driver: Brian Sears Trainer: Richard “Nifty” Norman

Charmed Life (12-1) Driver: Jody Jamieson Trainer: David Menary

Frau Blucher (12-1) Driver: Corey Callahan Trainer: Christopher Oakes

Harley Momma (30-1) Driver: Sylvain Filion Trainer: Richard Moreau

Handover Belle (20-1) Driver: Matt Kakaley Trainer: Ron Burke

Allie Labrook (20-1) Driver: Dan Shetler, Jr. Trainer: Brad Maxwell

Greg Blanchard

Dawn Lupul



5 BEE A MAGICIAN - The undisputed queen of female trotters could not have come back any better this season and has beaten the best older males on multiple occasions. The daughter of Kadabra is close to unbeatable when facing her own gender while at the top of her game.

5 BEE A MAGICIAN – The queen reigns supreme! After finishing a disappointing ninth in last year’s edition, the Kadabra daughter has rebounded and now boasts over $3 million in earnings. With only one loss this year to champ Father Patrick, she looks to dust her filly rivals one more time.

2 CLASSIC MARTINE - This hard-hitting lass has quietly achieved millionaire status while taking on one of the most exceptional female trotting groups in recent memory. She was a good second last week in a race she likely needed from a conditioning standpoint.

2 CLASSIC MARTINE – Last year’s upset winner of the Flight will try to double up here and has a better spot behind the gate to unleash her early speed. She joined the millionairess club earlier this year and the Classic Photo miss can’t be overlooked.

3 SHAKE IT CERRY - The most high-profile graduate to this year’s older female trotting division. So far, the transition has been a smooth one for the double millionaire. She proved herself with an authoritative win in her elim and anything sent out by Takter must be respected.

3 SHAKE IT CERRY – Her best results, and there are many to choose from, come when she uses that explosive second-quarter move to seize command. If she is allowed to relax at any point, the rest of the ladies may have too much work to do to catch her.

4 ROCKIN WITH DEWEY - She has proven herself to be ultra competitive at the top level with a recent win in the Miss Versatility and runner-up finish in her Armbro Flight elim. Team Baillargeon knows this track well and her gate speed should have her in the mix throughout.

7 FRAU BLUCHER –This lightly-raced miss has quick gate speed and will be the wild card as to how the race sets up for the others. Watch for her to leave out of there and then take a tuck behind Classic Martine.


2015-06-17 10:10 AM

e9 Ra c

$

350,000

ROSES ARE RED warm up pad: PURPLE

HEAD #

1 2

Krispy Apple (12-1)

Sam McKee

Mark McKelvie



Driver: Trace Tetrick Trainer: Brian Brown

5 YAGONNAKISSMEORNOT - The bigger the track, the better she seems to like it. Huge rally in her elimination. Mare has plenty of class, and the pace will be contested, which plays into her hands.

Lady Shadow (2-1)

7 WEEPER - With maturity, she seems to have really cleaned up gait-wise which was an obstacle for her last year at three. Team Takter has her on her toes and she will be a factor late.

8 ANNDROVETTE - One of the classiest and toughest mares in recent years, Anndrovette has raced well in her last two starts. She’s a winner of $3.2 million and has won this race three years in a row! She always delivers and tonight I back her going for the Roses Are Red Grand Slam.

Driver: Corey Callahan Trainer: Jeffrey Bamond, Jr.

Colors A Virgin (9-2)

Driver: Doug McNair Trainer: Ron Adams

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Waasmula (10-1) Driver: Trevor Henry Trainer: Bruce Goit

3 LADY SHADOW - That was a serious down-theroad speed mission in her elimination. Plus, she’s shown she can race either way this year. Seems to be more mature and more focused this year at age four. Major chance to win. 2 COLORS A VIRGIN - This mare is just plain tough. She keeps coming, keeps grinding and keeps trying every inch of the way. Traffic could be an issue since she’s not known as a strong gate leaver.

Yagonnakissmeornot (3-1)

5 YAGONNAKISSMEORNOT - Stormed home in :25.4 to just miss in her elimination. That was a good effort after a couple subpar performances. She’s won twice and finished second twice in her last five starts over this track. 3 LADY SHADOW - Set a new career mark of 1:48.3 in winning her elimination. She’s two for two from the Adams barn and has tremendous gate speed. She’ll be flying early, but she’ll need everything she has and more to go all the way tonight. She’ll be a big factor. 2 COLORS A VIRGIN - Although she got placed first in her elimination following a DQ to the winner, she turned in a big effort. She has four wins this season, but this is by far her toughest challenge. She’s come up large in big races before.

Driver: Jody Jamieson Trainer: Rene Allard

Sandbetweenurtoes (10-1) Driver: David Miller Trainer: Richard Moreau

Weeper (6-1) Driver: Yannick Gingras Trainer: Jimmy Takter

Anndrovette (8-1) Driver: Tim Tetrick Trainer: Jeffrey Bamond, Jr.

Table Talk (20-1) Driver: Scott Zeron Trainer: William Dalious

Skippin By (20-1) Driver: Brian Sears Trainer: Virgil Morgan, Jr.

Greg Gangle

Ken Middleton, Jr.



5 YAGONNAKISSMEORNOT - Appeared to be too far out of it last week, but she kicked home with a sizzling :25.4 final quarter to come within a neck of the winner at the wire. She drew well and comes from a high percentage barn in Rene Allard.

5 YAGONNAKISSMEORNOT - Was overloaded with pace in the late stages of last week’s elimination, but her late bid fell short by a neck despite storming home in :25.4. She loves to win, hails from a high percentage barn and gets a great post.

3 LADY SHADOW - Took matters into her own hands last week with a gate-to-wire score in a sizzling 1:48.3. She’s a recent acquisition into the Ron Adams barn and the talented miss is undefeated in two starts for her new connections.

6 SANDBETWEENURTOES - Was a speedy runner-up in last week’s debut for two-time O’Brien Award winner Richard Moreau. The mare has had an extra week to acclimate to her new digs. She could be the spoiler in here.

8 ANNDROVETTE - Has captured this classic three times in her career and can’t be overlooked with Tim Tetrick in the bike. She is by far the richest pacer in this field and has 42 career wins to her credit. Her resume speaks for itself and she loves to make speed on the front.

3 LADY SHADOW - Is two-for-two since the private acquisition and the relocation to the barn of trainer Ron Adams. The OSS graduate is a speed freak when she’s allowed to slice out the fractions. Look for her to be pedal to the metal once again.

2 COLORS A VIRGIN - Made a successful transition last week from Hoosier Park to tackling the best older pacing mares in NA. The speedy miss enjoyed a new career best and has been a very high percentage winner over the past few seasons.

4 WAASMULA - Was asked to race from a tough spot last week, but her :26.1 closing quarter was just good enough to earn her a berth into this big money affair. She gets an ideal post to work from. Demand a price if you like her.


2015-06-17 10:11 AM

1

e1 Ra c

$

479,000

FAN HANOVER warm up pad: LIGHT BLUE

HEAD #

1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Better Said (12-1)

Sam McKee

Greg Gangle



Driver: James MacDonald Trainer: Tony O’Sullivan

5 JK SHESALADY – Nothing replaces actual racing to get a horse fit and tight no matter how hard you train or how often you qualify. Plus, the defending HOY didn’t scope well after her elim. She has a tremendous will to win and can bounce back tonight.

5 JK SHESALADY – Was reported sick after tasting defeat for the first time in her career last week. The daughter of Art Major was North American HOY last season and is capable of bouncing back. I’ll give her the edge with a favourable post and Tetrick aboard.

Sassa Hanover (7-2) Driver: Yannick Gingras Trainer: Ron Burke

3 SASSA HANOVER – Co-world champion freshman filly looked strong in her elimination and picking her post puts her inside of JK Shesalady. Has the tactical speed to practically guarantee good early position. Has finished first or second in 15 of 16 lifetime starts.

3 SASSA HANOVER – Enjoyed a career-best performance last week in her elim while handing JK Shesalady her first career loss. The victory stamped her with an inside post and the filly has yet to finish worse than second this season.

Doctor Terror (10-1)

6 SOLAR SISTER – Love her wicked gate speed. Plus, she did get pinched a bit in tight stretch traffic in her elim. Has shown the versatility to win on the engine or riding cover. May be able to shadow JK Shesalady every step of the way.

7 WRANGLER MAGIC – Has come a long way in a short period of time this season for trainer Stephane Larocque. She was very impressive last week in her elim to finish second in sub-1:50 fashion at 27-1. She kicked home in :26.2. Upset play potential.

4 DOCTOR TERROR – Requires some careful handling at times to stay on stride, but she made up a ton of ground in her elim. Corey Callahan drove her once last year and finished fourth in the PASS championship from last. She’ll kick home in a big way.

4 DOCTOR TERROR – Was very impressive last week to finish second by a neck at 24-1. She has been in the top two in seven of nine starts this season and benefits from post four. She is a logical option for the superfecta ticket.

Mark McKelvie

Bob Heyden



5 JK SHESALADY – The 2014 Horse of the Year suffered the first defeat of her career last week, but reports indicate she was sick. I expect she will be healthy tonight and deliver a bounce-back effort. A new streak begins tonight.

3 SASSA HANOVER – Maybe this is why Yannick chose off the HOY (JK Shesalady) her last two tries in 2014. From first three-year-old crop of 2010 U.S. HOY Rock N Roll Heaven. Breeders Crown runnerup impressed in elim and is the one to beat tonight.

3 SASSA HANOVER – Delivered a career best effort to win her elimination. She really caught my eye early in her rookie season and went on to match the world record last October. She’s a big threat and you can count on Gingras to have a solid game plan.

5 JK SHESALADY – First bump in the road over, got a good post. This is a momentous night featuring two female Horses Of The Year (Bee A Magician) in the finals, both unblemished in their award-winning year. Tetrick has won three of the last six editions.

6 SOLAR SISTER – This McNair trainee is the fifth foal out of 2005 Fan Hanover champion Cabrini Hanover and will look to make her mama proud tonight. Last week’s elimination was a battle, but she’s been razorsharp this season.

9 SINGLE ME – Dave Miller won this race 13 years apart (2001 Cathedra Dot Com, 2014 Uffizi Hanover). Sire Bettors Delight has been first or second in North America 6 straight seasons. O’Sullivan once had five mares in a single Breeders Crown race.

2 MOONLIT DANCE – Came up large last week to win her elimination. She’s a game filly and has been in the top two in eight of 10 starts this year. She routinely finishes up strong and could get a big piece tonight if things get wild early.

1 BETTER SAID – Has just eight career starts, yet her sire won his first time out of the box taking the 2014 Fan Hanover with Uffizi Hanover. Greats that have won the Fan Hanover include: Town Pro (1990), Rainbow Blue (2004), Immortality (1993) and Eternal Camnation (2000).

Driver: Scott Zeron Trainer: Linda Toscano

Moonlit Dance (4-1)

Driver: Corey Callahan Trainer: Blake Macintosh

JK Shesalady (9-5) Driver: Tim Tetrick Trainer: Nancy Johansson

Solar Sister (6-1) Driver: Doug McNair Trainer: Gregg McNair

Wrangler Magic (8-1) Driver: Sylvain Filion Trainer: Stephane Larocque

Storm Point (20-1) Driver: Brian Sears Trainer: Ron Burke

Single Me (20-1) Driver: David Miller Trainer: Tony O’Sullivan

The Show Returns (30-1) Driver: John Campbell Trainer: Chris Ryder


2015-06-17 10:11 AM

2

e1 Ra c

$

1 million

PEPSI NORTH AMERICA CUP warm up pad: RED/WHITE

HEAD #

1 2

Good Friday Three (20-1)

Sam McKee

Ken Middleton, Jr.

Selections: 3 - 5 - 10 - 4

Selections: 10 - 3 - 2 - 9

Driver: Tim Tetrick Trainer: Joann Looney-King

3 WIGGLE IT JIGGLEIT – The Cinderella story in harness racing may simply be too fast to beat. He looked a bit keener to leave than usual in his elim. If he gets to the front, they’ll have to do some serious pacing to catch him.

10 ARTSPEAK - Was vicious in his two victories at The Meadowlands leading up to last week’s runnerup effort in his elim. He was handled with kid gloves throughout in that effort. A tune-up this week by Team Alagna can have him on his toes.

Wiggle It Jiggleit (8-5)

5 IN THE ARSENAL – Very edgy last year and has his quirks. Kelvin Harrison and Brian Sears have done a great job getting him headed in the right direction. Sears is one of the best at saving some horse and not squeezing the lemon dry.

3 WIGGLE IT JIGGLEIT - Turned in a breathtaking kick on the end of his mile after getting away with a ridiculously slow second quarter. The undefeated gelding figures to be the favourite again, and he’s earned it. He’s the one to beat.

10 ARTSPEAK – No question he was out-kicked by Wakizashi Hanover in his elim, but Scott Zeron looked like he may have saved a little horse for the final as well. Could not have looked stronger in the NJSS. The connections will have him at his very best.

2 WAKIZASHI HANOVER - Is a neck short of a perfect season for his connections. He rallied from far back to capture last week’s elim thanks in large part to his :25.3 closing quarter. He’s more than capable of winning again.

4 BETTING EXCHANGE – Making the big dance was the goal last week, so Dave Miller gunned him early. This is a decent colt that keeps on coming. With a million dollars on the line, there’s bound to be a pace meltdown giving him a puncher’s chance in the late stages.

9 PENJI HANOVER - Had traffic issues to deal with in each of his last two starts, but in both instances he managed to shake loose to grab the runner-up award. The post gods weren’t very kind to him this week, but he’s a dark horse to consider.

Greg Blanchard

Darin Zoccali


Selections: 3 - 4 - 5 - 10

3 WIGGLE IT JIGGLEIT - This freaky fast phenom made a definite statement in his elimination by dominating a talented group and leaving the appearance that there was lots left in the tank. He is not likely to get an easy first half this week, but I’m not sure it matters.

3 WIGGLE IT JIGGLEIT - I simply believe he is the fastest horse in the race. He benefited from a soft second quarter in his elimination, but his back half-mile was the stuff legends are made of. I am yet to see anyone that can pace past him.

2 WAKIZASHI HANOVER - Yet another NA Cup hopeful who comes from the harness hotbed of Truro, NS. As impressive as the above selection was in his elimination, this guy paced home faster last week, winning his split with a :25.3 final frame. The colt is brimming with confidence.

4 BETTING EXCHANGE - I thought he raced very well in his elimination. That said, he isn’t going to have to make a backside brush to the lead here. Miller will need to fish out some cover, which is entirely possible the way this race looks to develop.

Driver: Brett Miller Trainer: Robert Fellows

Wakizashi Hanover (5-2)

Driver: Montrell Teague Trainer: Clyde Francis

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Betting Exchange (15-1) Driver: David Miller Trainer: Tom Fanning

In The Arsenal (7-2) Driver: Brian Sears Trainer: Kelvin Harrison

Yankee Bounty (20-1) Driver: Corey Callahan Trainer: Ron Burke

Arque Hanover (25-1) Driver: John Campbell Trainer: Casie Coleman

Hurrikane Ali (25-1) Driver: Yannick Gingras Trainer: John McDermott

Penji Hanover (20-1) Driver: Chris Christoforou Trainer: Ben Wallace

Artspeak (5-1) Driver: Scott Zeron Trainer: Tony Alagna

5 IN THE ARSENAL - This blue collar colt shows up week in and week out and never seems to throw in a bad race. He has quietly gone undefeated this year and won his elimination very impressively, considering he was forced to race first-over for much of the final half. 1 GOOD FRIDAY THREE - Will come in as one of the local hopefuls and surprised many with a sharp rally to pick up third in his elimination. The connections feel he could be even better this week and post one should be an advantageous position for the son of Mach Three.

5 IN THE ARSENAL - Not brilliant by any means, but he knows where the wire is. He has not done anything wrong in his 3yo season. Sears is known for getting just enough out of a horse in their elimination to be fully prepared to fire a big shot in the final. 10 ARTSPEAK - His elimination left me baffled. Wakizashi Hanover seemed to glide by him effortlessly in the stretch, but when Zeron asked this colt to pace in the stretch, he paced right with the winner through the wire. Unfortunately, he drew post 10.


2015-06-17 10:11 AM