Trot Magazine hits Spring Book Exactor with Well Said, Art Colony

The cream really rose to the top at Mohawk last night, with Trot's 2009 Pepsi North America Cup Spring Book faves finishing 1-2 as predicted by the top Canadian standardbred magazine.

In addition, 5 of the finalists were in Trot's top 13, while both consolation winners were in Trot's top 24.

Here are the 25 Top 2009 Spring Book favorites:

(BOLD= made the finals or won consolation)

Well Said - 6
Art Colony - 7
Major In Art - 10
Dial Or Nodial - 11
Sheer Desire - 12
Nebupanezzar - 18
Captain Sir - 20
Carnivore - 22
Annieswesterncard - 24
Schoolkids - 25
Arctic Warrior - 28
Panmunjom - 28
If I Can Dream - 32
Suprizemeagain - 30
Bunkmeister - 34
Shipps Xpectancy - 36
Vertigo Hanover - 38
Millionaire Cam - 40
Barber Pole - 40
Mysticism - 42
Standupnkissme - 45
Johnny Z - 45
Best Dream Seeker - 48
Straight Shooting - 48
Count On Art - 48

Here are the results of Pepsi North America Cup 2009:

Race 7 - June 27, 2009 at Mohawk:

5-Well Said 7.90 5.00 3.20 166877
7-Art Colony 7.00 4.40 59090
6-Keep It Real 2.80 35669

EXACTOR (5-7) paid 55.00, pool 135641
SUPERFECTA (5-7-6-2) paid 670.15, pool 60947
TRIACTOR (5-7-6) paid 185.60, pool 132688
WIN THREE (4-4-5) paid 97.15, pool 12570
PICK 4 (4-4-4-5) paid 194.80, pool 66901

1 MILE, PACE, PURSE $1,500,000.
D-PEPSI NORTH AMERICA CUP XXVI - FINAL - 3 YEAR OLDS.
Last
Horse PP 1/4 1/2 3/4 Stretch Finish Time 1/4 Driver Odds Trainer
5 Well Said 5 6/10T 6@/7H 4@/2H 1/Q 1/3Q 1:48.1 25.4 R Pierce 2.95 S Elliott
7 Art Colony 7 7/12T 7@/9H 6@/4H 6/3H 2/3Q 1:48.4 26 J Campbell 8.10 C Coleman
6 Keep It Real 6 4/7 1@/1Q 1/T 2/Q 3/3Q 1:48.4 26.4 S Condren 1.90* J Shea
2 Mr Wiggles 2 2/1T 3/3 5/4Q 5/3H 4/3T 1:49 26.1 C Callahan 13.40 B Teague
3 Dial Or Nodial 3 5/9 5@/5T 2@/T 3/2 5/4T 1:49.1 27 B Sears 3.45 J Campbell
4 If I Can Dream 4 1/1T 2/1Q 3/2 4/2T 6/5H 1:49.1 26.4 G Brennan 7.05 T Brainard
8 Chasin Racin 8 8/15 8@/11T 8@/7H 8/7 7/7 1:49.3 26.1 D Miller 67.95 B Teague
1 Ok Boromir 1 3/4 4/5Q 7/6T 7/5T 8/12 1:50.3 27.1 L Ouellette 21.45 F Baker Jr
9 Annieswesterncard 9 9/17H 9/11T 10/11 10/11H 9/15 1:51.1 27 T Tetrick 61.05 T Deters
10 Millionaire Cam 10 10/20Q 10/13T 9@/10T 9/9H 10/17Q 1:51.3 27.2 J Jamieson 88.30 T Osullivan
Time: 26, 54.3, 1:22, 1:48.1 (Temperature: 22, Condition: FT, Variant: 0)

1st Well Said (b,c,3 - Western Hanover-Must See-Artsplace)
Owner: Jeffrey S Snyder,New York,NY-Lothlorien,Cheltenham,ON
2nd Art Colony (br,c,3 - Artsplace-Asleep Onthe Beach-Beach Towel)
Owner: Tom Hill,Lancashire,GB
3rd Keep It Real (b,c,3 - Real Artist-Magical Leah-Magical Mike)
Owner: Wayne Eric Whebby,Dartmouth,NS


Here was my prediction for the top finishers in the NA Cup 2009:

Keep It Real
Art Colony
Well Said
Dial Or No Dial
OK Boromir
If I Can Dream
Mr Wiggles

Here is the actual finish:

Well Said
Art Colony
Keep It Real
Mr Wiggles
Dial Or No Dial
If I Can Dream
Chasin Racin


'Twas truly a great night of racing at Mohawk, as the thousands of harness racing fans who enjoyed the beautiful evening will surely attest.

Post Positions Drawn for NA Cup Saturday June 27

Here are the post positions, drivers, trainers and m/l odds for the 2009 Pepsi North America Cup:

Post-Horse-Driver-Trainer-Morning Line
1-OK Boromir-L. Ouellette-F. Baker, Jr.-15-1
2-Mr Wiggles-C. Callahan-B. Teague-15-1
3-Dial Or Nodial-B. Sears-Jm. Campbell-4-1
4-If I Can Dream-G. Brennan-T. Brainard-5-1
5-Well Said-R. Pierce-S. Elliott-2-1
6-Keep It Real-S. Condren-J. Shea-3-1
7-Art Colony-J. Campbell-C. Coleman-8-1
8-Chasin Racin-D. Miller-B. Teague-20-1
9-Annieswesterncard-T. Tetrick-T. Deters-25-1
10-Millionaire Cam-J. Jamieson-T. O'Sullivan-30-1
AE1-Arctic Warrior-TBA-B. Wallace-TBA

Here is my estimate of what the colts mat actually go off at:

Post-Horse-Estimated Post Time Odds
1-OK Boromir-14-1
2-Mr Wiggles-11-1
3-Dial Or Nodial-5/2
4-If I Can Dream-5-1
5-Well Said-9-5
6-Keep It Real-3-1
7-Art Colony-4-1
8-Chasin Racin-26-1
9-Annieswesterncard-22-1
10-Millionaire Cam-46-1

AE1-Arctic Warrior-TBA-B. Wallace-TBA

My prediction for actual finish:

Keep It Real
Art Colony
Well Said
Dial Or No Dial
OK Boromir
If I Can Dream
Mr Wiggles
Annieswesterncard
Millionaire Cam
Chasin Racin

There are many great races to behold this saturday evening, so come out to Mohawk and see world class live harness racing with some of the fastest colts and fillies in the world racing for millions of dollars in purses.

Chasin Racin and Millionaire Cam each valid dark horses in North America Cup at Mohawk Saturday

While top 2009 Pepsi North America Cup contenders Well Said (holding off previously unbeaten Keep It Real), If I Can Dream (Annieswesterncard placed), Dial or No Dial (over a closing OK Boromir) and Art Colony (2nd to Mr. Wiggles) all made it to the final on their finishes, Chasin Racin and local fave Millionaire Cam each squeaked in with a show and a lucky draw. Depending on the posts they draw, these two may go off at longer odds than others but each deserves consideration as they could win off an ideal trip.

Well Said seems to be rounding into his last year's late season dominant form, and will be tough on the weekend. Keep It Real will be back to keep it real, while Art Colony, If I Can Dream and Dial Or No Dial will also find bettors leaning their way.

Record 4 Eliminations for North America Cup 2009 at Mohawk!!!

This year it will take a top two finish to make it to the Pepsi NA Cup finals on Saturday, June 27th at Mohawk in Ontario. The four elimination races this Saturday June 20th are shaping up to be competitive dashes, and some excellent three year old pacing colts will be showing up in the consolation, as only two third place finishers make it to the grand event.

Here are the four elimination races with post positions and drivers:

5 -- Pace, purse $50,000 (EX, P3, SF, TR)
D-PEPSI NORTH AMERICA CUP XXVI - ELIMINATION - 3 YEAR OLDS.
STARTING FEE $8,000 CDN $7,400 U.S.
Post time: 08:54 P.M. Lasix: 04:39 P.M.
1 Fireintheshark G Brennan J Campbell
2***Lisagain(L) Y Gingras E Miller (cog: no test)
3 Carnivore P Macdonell J Darling
4 Well Said R Pierce S Elliott
5 Chasin Racin(L) J Campbell B Teague
6 Glad To Be Back(L) L Ouellette J Wilkinson
7 Waffles And Cream J Morrill Jr T Brainard
8 Captain Sir J Jamieson C Jamieson
9***Nob Hill High D Miller W Webb (cog: no test)
10 Keep It Real S Condren J Shea
Race 5 - Retention Barn - All horses


The undefeated Keep It Real, the surging Carnivore and the highly regarded Well Said are sure to be the 3 favourites here, but consider including Lisagain or Chasin Racin for a bigger payout possibility. Any entrant could win this elim, but the first three mentioned should all be tough.


6 -- Pace, purse $50,000 (EX, P3, TR)
D-PEPSI NORTH AMERICA CUP XXVI - ELIMINATION - 3 YEAR OLDS.
STARTING FEE $8,000 CDN $7,400 U.S.
Post time: 09:15 P.M. Lasix: 05:00 P.M.
1 Stinger Blue Chip J Campbell C Coleman
2 Dial Or Nodial B Sears J Campbell
3 Ok Boromir L Ouellette F Baker Jr
4 Ideal Race Ma Macdonald T Brainard
5 Johnny Z(L) B Sears B Teague
6 Ideal Danny(L) R Pierce E Miller
7 Mysticism T Tetrick S Elliott
8 Bay Of Sharks M Baillargeon B Wallace
9 Hay Goodlooking G Brunet G Brunet
10 Mighty Me(L) J Moiseyev R Furlong
Race 6 - Retention Barn - All horses


Dial Or No Dial is the likely m/l and post-time fave, but Bay of Sharks, Ideal Danny, Johnny Z, OK Boromir and Stinger Blue Chip should all find significant backers.




8 -- Pace, purse $50,000 (EX, P3, SF, TR)
D-PEPSI NORTH AMERICA CUP XXVI - ELIMINATION - 3 YEAR OLDS.
STARTING FEE $8,000 CDN $7,400 U.S.
Post time: 09:57 P.M. Lasix: 05:42 P.M.
1 Schoolkids To Be Announced T Brainard
2***Sheer Desire D Palone R Burke (cog: no test)
3 Arctic Warrior D Miller B Wallace
4 Shipps Xpectancy J Moiseyev J Kopas
5 If I Can Dream(L) G Brennan T Brainard
6 *Stonebridge Terror M Saftic J Darling (cog: 12-AUG-2009)
7***Barber Pole B Sears B Teague (cog: no test)
8 Manhattan Bluechip Ra Waples M Austin
9 Annieswesterncard R Pierce T Deters
10 Passmaster Hanover T Tetrick B Burgess
Race 8 - Retention Barn - All horses


IF I Can Dream looks well positioned for victory in this group but could see some challenges from colts like Schoolkids on the rail, plus Barber Pole and Stonebridhge Terror in the middle. There is wicked speed on the outside also, and any of the 8, 9, or 10 could win with a fortunate trip and a late brush.



9 -- Pace, purse $50,000 (EX, P3, TR)
D-PEPSI NORTH AMERICA CUP XXVI - ELIMINATION - 3 YEAR OLDS.
STARTING FEE $8,000 CDN $7,400 U.S.
Post time: 10:18 P.M. Lasix: 06:03 P.M.
1 Fire On The Water P Macdonell M Brethour
2 Fast Pay P Macdonell D Menary
3 Vintage Master D Dube J Takter
4 Drop Red G Brennan R Horowitz
5 Straight Shooting T Tetrick T Brainard
6 Sombrero Blue Chip S Condren R Laarman
7 Art Colony J Campbell C Coleman
8 Millionaire Cam J Jamieson T Osullivan
9 Mr Wiggles(L) C Callahan B Teague
10 Chief Of The Beach S Filion B Wallace
Race 9 - Retention Barn - All horses


Art Colony is facing mostly pacers that have disappointed of late, and of all 40 entrants he may be best positioned to make it to the final. Challengers will include Drop Red, Vintage Master, Millionaire Cam, Straight Shooting and Chief Of The Beach.


Here is analysis from StandardbredCanada.ca on these races:

Race 5:

Coming in off a Burlington victory in which driver Paul MacDonell found daylight late, Jack Darling-trained Real Desire colt Carnivore (PP3, P. MacDonell) will be looking to gain entrance to the Cup via the first elim. Last season's Breeders Crown winner Well Said (PP4, R. Pierce) has drawn mid-gate for conditioner Steve Elliott. Upstart Real Artist colt Keep It Real (PP10, S. Condren) will be looking to keep his career unbeaten streak intact for trainer Joey Shea. The bay continued to roll right along last week in the Burlington Stakes, but will have a tall task ahead of him from the 10-hole.


Race 6:

After having just missed by a half length last weekend in the New Jersey Classic at the Meadowlands, Western Ideal gelding Dial Or No Dial (PP2, B. Sears) will be representing trainer Jim Campbell in the second of the Cup elims. OK Boromir (PP3, L. Ouellette), the No Pan Intended colt that posted a minor upset in the Burlington, has drawn a favourable post for conditioner Frank Baker, Jr. Ideal Danny (PP6, R. Pierce), representing the Erv Miller barn in the third elim, will also be looking to build upon his Burlington victory.


Race 8:

After going down to Yonkers Raceway and capturing the Art Rooney Memorial by open lengths, Western Hanover colt If I Can Dream (PP5, G. Brennan) has drawn mid-gate for trainer Tracy Brainard in the third elim. Courtesy of a 1:49 mile, three-year-old North American season's leader Barber Pole (PP7, B. Sears) will be looking to improve on a disappointing off-the-board finish in the Rooney. Fresh off victory in the Jersey Classic, Blair Burgess-trained Cams Card Shark colt Passmaster Hanover (PP10, T. Tetrick) will have to overcome a disadvantaged post position if he is to make it to the Cup finale.


Race 9:

Having recently captured an Ontario Sires Stakes Gold final at Rideau Carleton Raceway, Western Terror colt Fast Pay (PP2, P. MacDonell) has drawn favourable in the fourth elimination for trainer Dave Menary. Vintage Master (PP3, D. Dube) almost converted a tough overland trip in the Jersey Classic into pay dirt for trainer Jimmy Takter, but the Western Ideal colt settled for a second-place finish by a mere head. Having finished a neck back in second to Carnivore in the Burlington, Art Colony (PP7, J. Campbell) will be looking to get the job done for trainer Casie Coleman.


More Mohawk Racing on Saturday June 20th:

In addition to the Cup elims, Mohawk Racetrack will also be showcasing some of the continent's top three-year-old pacing fillies in eliminations for the Fan Hanover Stakes. The $35,000 elims have been carded as Races 3, 7 and 10.

Three-year-old trotters are sure to be a draw Saturday at 'The Hawk,' as a trio of $30,000 Goodtimes Stakes elims will also head postward. The Goodtimes elims have been slotted as Races 1, 2 and 4.


Full Entries for Saturday June 20, 2009 Mohawk

Burlington Stakes Upset Winners create new TOP 30 NA Cup Contenders

My hypothetical wagers from last night returned zilch, and though they were lotto-style bets, I had expected at least a couple of them to cash. The outstanding performances by Carnivore over Art Colony, Keep It Real over a wicked field, plus Bay of Sharks and Barn Art each getting up for 2nd killed all 4 of my imaginary tickets.

Before people get too excited about the other division winners, keep in mind what I wrote yesterday (see below; that the 6th or 7th finisher in Race 5 could win a NA Cup elim next week). Well Said was 4th but still a few ticks faster than the other winners, and Stonebridge Terror in 7th TIED THE FASTEST of the other winners, Ideal Danny.

Here is a revised TOP 30 Horses eligible for the 2009 Pepsi North America Cup at Woodbine:

1 - Dial Or Nodial - 5-1

2 - Keep It Real - 6-1
2 - Art Colony - 6-1
2 - Well Said - 6-1

5 - If I Can Dream - 10-1
5 - Schoolkids - 10-1
5 - Carnivore - 10-1
5 - Chasin Racin - 10-1
5 - Ideal Danny - 10-1

10 - Redneck Riviera - 12-1
10 - Passmaster Hanover - 12-1
10 - Johnny Z - 12-1
10 - Drop Red 12-1


14 - Bay Of Sharks - 15-1
14 - Vintage Master - 15-1
14 - Barber Pole 15-1
14 - Sheer Desire - 15-1
14 - OK Boromir - 15-1

19 - Arctic Warrior - 18-1
19 - Glad To Be Back - 18-1
19 - Stonebridge Terror - 18-1
19 - Lisagain - 18-1
19 - Estero Bay - 18-1

24 - Millionaire Cam - 20-1
24 - Barn Art - 20-1
24 - Stinger Blue Chip - 20-1
24 - Annieswesterncard - 20-1

28 - Straight Shooting - 25-1
28 - Manhattan Blue Chip - 25-1

30 - Nob Hill High - 30-1
30 - Chief of The Beach - 30-1

A few more 3 year old colts to watch for in the North America Cup eliminations next week:

Mr. Wiggles, Ideal Race, Captain Sir, Fast Pay, Western Posse, Bunkmeister, Panmunjom, Built To Drive, Waffles and Cream

Entries For Burlington Stakes - Four Divisions to go at Mohawk Raceway

Tonight's Burlington Stakes, named after my home town, will see many top NA Cup hopefuls take to the track. The Burlington is considered the major prep for the 2009 Pepsi North America Cup at Mohwak Raceway in Campbellville, Ontario.

Race by Race analysis:

Race Four

Art Colony is firming up and looking more and more like he may be the dominant 3 year old of 2009. Johnny Z, Carnivore, Glad To Be Back and Mysticism would be worth including in a tri key.

$2 Triactor key Art Colony with 4 horses = $24

Race Five

Well Said will be the favourite here but he hasn't yet shown in 2009 that he deserves unbeatable status, and there are nine other colts in this race that can beat him with a perfect trip. Skip this one or maybe box the longest five (m/l odds or post odds) in an exactor box ($1 box of five = $20 for an Exactor)

(Handicapping tip for next week's NA Cup eliminations; a horse that finishes 6th or 7th in this extremely tough division tonight could very well bounce back and win or place next week)


Race Eight

Even though I have bolded five horses and agree that Chasin Racin and Ideal Danny should be the two faves, this is another division where any horse that gets a perfect trip can win.

We'll take a lotto style gamble here and go with a .20 Superfecta box of five: Chasin Racin, Ideal Danny, Millionaire Cam, Straight Shooting and Captain Sir.

.20 Superfecta Box of Five equals $24


Race Eleven

Annieswesterncard may be tougher here than oddsmakers indicate, so let's take him for first and second.

$1 Triactor key Card with Chief, Waffles, Nob, Boro and Bunk = $20

$1 Tri Part-wheel with those five on top, Card 2nd, those five for 3rd (eg. Place key) = $20

Total hypothetical wagering on 4 Burlington Stakes Events: 24 + 20 + 24 + 40 = 108




Here are the entries for the 4 divisions of the Burlington Stakes (BOLDED are those NA Cup eligibles that I feel merit the most attention tonight, and if they race well here, in the elims next week:

4 -- Pace, purse $100,000 (EX, TR, W4)
BURLINGTON STAKES - 3 YEAR OLDS.
STARTING FEE $1,500 CDN $1,400 U.S.
Post time: 08:33 P.M. Lasix: 04:18 P.M.
1 Ideal Race Ma Macdonald T Brainard 8-1
2 Johnny Z(L) J Moiseyev B Teague 9-2
3 World Away J Jamieson C Jamieson 30-1
4 Glad To Be Back(L) L Ouellette J Wilkinson 8-1
5 Art Colony J Campbell C Coleman 1-1
6 Carnivore P Macdonell J Darling 7-1
7 Mysticism S Condren S Elliott 6-1
8 Manhattan Bluechip Ra Waples M Austin 15-1
9 Up Front Eli D Miller G Lilley 25-1
10 Surrealist S Filion B Wallace 30-1




5 -- Pace, purse $100,000 (EX, P3, SF, TR)
BURLINGTON STAKES - 3 YEAR OLDS.
STARTING FEE $1,500 CDN $1,400 U.S.
Post time: 08:54 P.M. Lasix: 04:39 P.M.
1 Schoolkids J Jamieson T Brainard 7-1
2 Keep It Real S Condren J Shea 7-2
3 Stinger Blue Chip Ja Brewer C Coleman 20-1
4 Vertigo Hanover(L) J Campbell D Marfisi 8-1
5***Lisagain(L) Y Gingras E Miller 5-1 (cog: no test)
6 Stonebridge Terror M Saftic J Darling 15-1
7 Well Said R Pierce S Elliott 2-1
8 Drop Red Ma Macdonald R Horowitz 6-1
9***Arctic Warrior D Miller B Wallace 15-1 (cog: no test)
10 Mr Wiggles(L) C Callahan B Teague 15-1




8 -- Pace, purse $100,000 (EX, P3, SF, TR)
BURLINGTON STAKES - 3 YEAR OLDS.
STARTING FEE $1,500 CDN $1,400 U.S.
Post time: 09:57 P.M. Lasix: 05:42 P.M.
1 Suprizemeagain S Filion B Wallace 10-1
2 Bay Of Sharks M Baillargeon B Wallace 10-1
3 Chasin Racin(L) J Campbell B Teague 7-2
4 Ideal Danny(L) R Pierce E Miller 5-2
5 Straight Shooting Ma Macdonald T Brainard 8-1
6 Captain Sir S Condren C Jamieson 20-1
7***Standupnkissme D Miller J Mulinix 7-1 (cog: no test)
8 Millionaire Cam J Jamieson T Osullivan 9-2
9 Fire On The Water P Macdonell M Brethour 12-1
10 Mighty Me(L) J Moiseyev R Furlong 8-1




11 -- Pace, purse $100,000 (EX, P3, TR)
BURLINGTON STAKES - 3 YEAR OLDS.
STARTING FEE $1,500 CDN $1,400 U.S.
Post time: 10:59 P.M. Lasix: 06:44 P.M.
1 Ok Boromir L Ouellette F Baker Jr 12-1
2 Barn Art S Filion B Wallace 10-1
3 Waffles And Cream J Campbell T Brainard 9-2
4 Chief Of The Beach J Jamieson C Jamieson 5-1
5 Annieswesterncard R Pierce T Deters 5-2
6 Card Hustler M Saftic R Mcnair 20-1
7***Nob Hill High D Miller W Webb 7-2 (cog: no test)
8 Carson City Road B Kramer M St Charles 10-1
9 Bunkmeister C Callahan B Teague 7-1

View All Entries for Saturday June 13, 2009 at Mohawk Raceway

Caviar Crown, Shermans Mountain Set WORLD RECORDS in PASS

Three year old trotting colt Caviar Crown (1.53.1) and three year old trotting gelding Shermans Mountain (1.53.3) each set world records in their divisions of Pennsylvania Sires Stakes races at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs on Friday evening, June 12, 2009.

Here is the USTA report:

Two World Records Set at Mohegan Sun in PASS Harness Racing

Friday, June 12, 2009 - by John Zimich, publicity director, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA --- In an amazing night of racing at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs on Friday evening, June 12, world records were established in two of the seven divisions of the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings.

Caviar Crown, trained by Kris Rickert and driven by Dave Palone, won the opening division of the sire stakes in a world record time of 1:53.1 for a 3-year-old trotting colt over a five-eighths-mile oval.

Leaving from the two hole, Palone and Caviar Crown sat second in the pocket behind 1-9 favorite 4 Top Chef with David Miller in the sulky. Top Chef took the seven-horse field to the opening stanza in :27.3, the half in :56.2 and three-quarters in 1:24.4. Top Chef and Caviar Crown battled coming down the stretch before Caviar Crown stopped the timer in the world record time with Top Chef second and Cesar A Blue Chip (Tim Tetrick) third.

Caviar Crown, owned by Dale B. Wareham, was winning for the second time in four starts this season.

Several races later, in the sixth of seven divisions carrying purses of $35,000-plus and $36,000-plus, it was Shermans Mountain (Jim Morrill, Jr.) establishing another world and track mark for 3-year-old trotting geldings, stopping the timer in 1:53.3.

Chris Oakes, one of the leading trainers at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, trains Shermans Mountain, now a winner of three straight Pennsylvania Sire Stakes races. Shermans Mountain has won six of seven starts in 2009 with one second-place finish. Triumphant Caviar (Palone) was second to Shermans Mountain with Shibboleth Hanover (Mike Simons) third.

Winners of the other sire stakes divisions were Broadway Bistro (Tetrick) in 1:54.3; Tagyoureit Hanover (Howard Parker) in 1:55.1; Explosive Matter (Ron Pierce) in 1:54.2; Salutation Hanover (Morrill) in 1:55.1; and Even Better Odds (Tetrick) in 1:55.2.

In addition to the world records, Farasyoucansee became the second fastest pacer ever at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in winning a conditioned event with a time of 1:48.4. Only Shadow Play has ever gone faster at the Northeastern Pennsylvania racetrack and that win was in 1:48.2, a world mark for a 3-year-old pacing colt.

Morrill was in the bike with Farasyoucansee. This 5-year-old gelding is trained by Virgil Morgan, Jr. and has now won six of eight starts in 2009.

Standardbred Horse Racing World Records List Online

UPDATED June 6th Top 20 2009 Pepsi NA Cup Contenders

After tonight's races, here are my updated Top 20 Favorites and Contenders for Pepsi North America Cup 2009:

(Unofficial advance odds as of 06jun09 by Joe Trainor, Editor/Publisher of Harness Horses Info)

1 - Dial Or Nodial - 5-1
1 - Well Said - 5-1
1 - Art Colony - 5-1


4 - If I Can Dream - 8-1
4 - Drop Red 8-1
4 - Johnny Z - 8-1


7 - Chasin Racin - 10-1
7 - Mr. Wiggles 10-1
7 - Redneck Riviera - 10-1
7 - Passmaster Hanover - 10-1

11 - Carnivore - 15-1
11 - Vintage Master - 15-1
11 - Barber Pole 15-1
11 - Sheer Desire - 15-1


15 - Arctic Warrior - 18-1
15 - Glad To Be Back - 18-1
15 - Waffles and Cream - 18-1
15 - Annieswesterncard - 18-1
15 - Stonebridge Terror - 18-1


20 - Estero Bay 20-1
20 - Schoolkids - 20-1
20 - Millionaire Cam - 20-1
20 - Ideal Danny - 20-1
20 - Captain Sir - 20-1




A few more 3 year old colts to watch for in the Burlington Stakes and the North America Cup:

Lisagain, OK Boromir, Fast Pay, Western Posse, Bunkmeister, Panmunjom, Built To Drive, Stinger Blue Chip, Straight Shooting, Manhattan Blue Chip


May your racing and your lives be inspired!

Standardbred Marketing; NEW FOCUS for HarnessHorses.info

Well kids, it's time we take a long look at the game and find ways to make it more attractive to sporting fans, the general public, and young people in particular. Handle is up on a per race basis in 2009 (Canadian data), but with less races it's working out to a wash, so far.

I invite readers to post any ideas they may have on improving the racing, the betting products, and the marketing and promotion methods used to bring people to the races.

Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling:

#1 - Pick Six with guaranteed payout, plus 5 of 6 payout

Guaranteeing a minimum pool of $15,000, $25,000 or whatever amount is suitable for the track and card in question entices players into taking a shot at a big win, much as lottery sales go up when the grand prize is large.

Paying out a portion of the winnings to those who picked 5 of 6 creates a far greater pool of winners. Progressive tracks are already implementing these types of bets, and we'd love to have someone from one of these tracks post some before and after numbers.

Another innovation is offering a smaller takeout (eg. 15%) from the Pick 6 being promoted, a clear sign to bettors that this promotion is really worth participating in.


#2 - Promote Alliances with Other Sports

As much of the North American harness racing industry is located in the Northeast, it's not surprising that the most successful racetracks are located near NHL hockey hotbeds like Toronto, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia etc.

Here are ideas for promotions tied to other sports:

A - XYZ Hockey Team Night

2 local hockey stars plus 3 top drivers will be available for signing autographs and all season ticket holders will mailed invitations with betting vouchers and food coupons.

B - Golfers Night

The members of all top local courses will be invited out for an evening at the track, with door prizes and draws for golf clubs, plus weekend and week long golfing trips.

C - Softball League Night

If there are a number of softball leagues within reasonable driving distance of your track, create a fun night with lots of incentives and you'll get some brand new mailing lists from the league managers, and find some new lifetime fans.



#3 - The Helmet Cam

Until we get microphones and cameras on driver's helmets, we won't have full entered the 21st Century. There will be some controversy about whipping, but a bright light will cause offenders to think twice and also to be easily proven guilty, so in addition to adding more excitement to for television and Internet viewers, helmet cams may also reduce any unnecessary or abusive whipping.



#4 - Lottery-style Betting Cards

I think it would be fantastic if I could just drop by the local variety store and place a horse racing card in the lottery machine, and walk home with a triactor box and a superfecta box, but first we need to take some baby steps. Let's create these machines for use at tracks and off-track locations first, then after we've proven the technology is proven and live, we can push for having them located in more gambling (eg. casinos) environments and eventually, the OLC chain of distributors (Ontario Lottery Corp).

If any company is interested in a test-run of this type of betting methodology, I have designed some prototype cards and systems and am available for consulting on how these can be integrated for multi-track usage.

Readers are invited to post any proven promotional ideas, plus suggestions for new directions in racing, wagering, marketing and sales.

Let's get to it!

Joe Trainor
Toronto, Ontario