Warawee Needy draws Post 4 in Monday's Gold OSS Gold Series Final

$130,000 OSS Gold Series Final — July 4 at Mohawk Racetrack

Post 1 Orse Power

Post 2 Caddy Jeff

Post 3 Thunder Steeler

Post 4 Warrawee Needy

Post 5 Machal Angelo

Post 6 Astor

Post 7 Secretsoftheknight

Post 8 Boysgotfever

Post 9 Jake Sully

Post 10 Daniel Semalu


The son of E Dees Cam and Great Memories (by Apaches Fame) is currently ranked as the fastest two-year-old in North America ( 1:51.4!!!). Warrawee Needy is trained by Princeton, ON resident Carl Jamieson for his partners Tom Kyron of Toronto, breeder Dr. Michael Wilson of Rockwood and Floyd Marshall of Jarvis, ON.

Looks like the Jamiesons have another HOT one!!!


Source: StandardbredCanada.ca

Horses eligible to 2011 Maple Leaf Trot at Mohawk Raceway, July 23, 2011

Top trotters to compete at Standardbred stakes event

Here is a list of harness horses eligible to the 2011 Maple Leaf Trot at Mohawk on July 23rd:

ALL CANTAB
ARCH MADNESS
BIG BIKKIES
BREAK THE BANK K
COMMANDERCROW
DEFINE THE WORLD
ENOUGH TALK
EQUITY
FOUR STARZ SPEED
HES A DEMON
HOT SHOT BLUE CHIP
IL VILLAGGIO
KASHS CAVIAR
LIKEABATOUTAHELL
LUCKY JIM
PILGRIMS CHUCKIE
PREMIERESTEED
RED LIGHT
SAN PAIL
SIR CAVIAR
SLAVE DREAM
SYENITE
TAKE MY PICTURE
TEMPLE OF DOOM
TRIUMPHANT CAVIAR
WINDSONG GEAN


I am looking forward to seeing local fave San Pail battle US invader Enough Talk!

2011 North America Cup post positions drawn

Mohawk to host $1.5 million race on Saturday, June 18

Campbellville, July 14 - Ten of the continent's finest three-year-old pacers, headed by Up The Credit, Big Bad John and Powerful Mist, will contest Saturday's $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup at Mohawk Racetrack.

The 28th edition of the Cup is the richest pacing event in North America, with the winner earning $750,000. The Score will air a special one and one-half hour telecast nationally from 8:30 - 10:00 pm ET.

Post positions were drawn today at Mohawk, with Luke Schenn, defenceman with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League, as guest drawmaster.

The final post positions and morning line odds are listed below:

1) Big Jim (7-1)
2) Up The Credit (5-2)
3) Powerful Mist (6-1)
4) Big Bad John (2-1)
5) Shadyshark Hanover (5-1)
6) Rockabillie (15-1)
7) Roll With Joe (8-1)
8) Eighteen (25-1)
9) Dutch Richman (30-1)
10) Foreclosure N (25-1)

North America Cup Post Position Draw, today at 12.15pm

Luke Schenn of Toronto Maple Leafs is drawmaster

North America Cup live draw for post positions

Best 3 Year Old Colts eligible for North America Cup

Top 35 North America Cup contenders, Mohawk stakes races

35 Contending Colts: 2011 Pepsi North America Cup

#1 - Big Jim – 3-1
#2 - Up The Credit -- 5-1
#3 - Betterthancheddar -- 7-1
#4 - Shadyshark Hanover -- 7-1
#5 - Roll With Joe -- 10-1
#6 - Powerful Mist – 12-1
#7 - Rock To Glory – 12-1
#8 - Fashion Delight - 12-1
#9 - Feel Like A Fool -- 15-1
#10 - Custard The Dragon – 15-1


#11 - Mystician – 16-1
#12 - Prodigal Seelster -- 18-1
#13 - Big Bad John -- 18-1
#14 - Eighteen – 20-1
#15 - Watermelonwine -- 20-1
#16 - Foreclosure N – 22-1
#17 - Grams Legacy -- 25-1
#18 - Joe Palz -- 25-1
#19 - Bestofbest Hanover -- 30-1
#20 - Lookinforadventure – 30-1



#21 - Wink N Atcha -- 35-1
#22 - Prana -- 35-1
#23 - Dutch Richman -- 35-1
#24 - Dapper Denzil -- 35-1
#25 - Just Asign To Me -- 38-1
#26 - Wind Me Up -- 38-1
#27 - Arsenal -- 40-1
#28 - On The Radar -- 40-1
#29 - Reckless Ric -- 45-1
#30 - A And Gs Express -- 45-1



#31 - Drain Daddy -- 48-1
#32 - Rockabillie -- 50-1
#33 - Bettors Green -- 50-1
#34 - Ohmygosh Hanover -- 50-1
#35 - D M Bodatious – 50-1

30 Three Year Old Colts with a shot at the 2011 North America Cup

Big Jim formidable; Big Bad John, Powerful Mist tuning up

Top 30 Contenders for the 2011 North America Cup

#1 - Big Jim -- 5/2
#2 - Shadyshark Hanover -- 4-1
#3 - Feel Like A Fool -- 5-1
#4 - Fashion Delight -- 6-1
#5 - Foreclosure N -- 10-1
#6 - Prodigal Seelster -- 12-1
#7 - Big Bad John -- 12-1
#8 - Powerful Mist -- 12-1
#9 - Joe Palz -- 15-1
#10 - Mystician -- 16-1

#11 - Lookinforadventure -- 18-1
#12 - Wink N Atcha -- 20-1
#13 - Grams Legacy -- 20-1
#14 - Custard The Dragon -- 22-1
#15 - Prana -- 22-1
#16 - Rock To Glory -- 25-1
#17 - Just Asign To Me -- 25-1
#18 - Dutch Richman -- 28-1
#19 - Dapper Denzil -- 30-1
#20 - Up The Credit -- 30-1


#21 - Roll With Joe -- 30-1
#22 - Wind Me Up -- 38-1
#23 - Arsenal -- 40-1
#24 - On The Radar -- 40-1
#25 - Reckless Ric -- 45-1
#26 - Watermelonwine -- 45-1
#27 - Eighteen -- 45-1
#28 - Betterthancheddar -- 48-1
#29 - Bettors Green -- 48-1
#30 - Ohmygosh Hanover -- 48-1

Still in the hunt:

#31 - D M Bodatious -- 50-1
#32 - Keystone Velocity -- 50-1
#33 - Bestofbest Hanover -- 55-1
#34 - Draconian -- 55-1
#35 - Facebook -- 55-1
#36 - Four Starzzz Z -- 55-1
#37 - Jackson Killean -- 55-1
#38 - Mach Of Ballykeel -- 55-1

More colts still eligible and hoping for the big prize:

Nakai Hanover -- 60-1
Risk Management -- 60-1
Townslight Hanover -- 60-1
Doin Time Together -- 60-1

Dreamfair Kovu -- 65-1
Ideal Joe -- 65-1
Rockabillie -- 65-1
Western Alumni -- 65-1

Big Time Rocks -- 70-1
We The People -- 70-1

Lyons Elite -- 75-1
Roll On -- 75-1
A And Gs Express -- 75-1
Drain Daddy -- 75-1
National Interest -- 75-1

Celebrity Citation -- 80-1
Mickey Hanover -- 80-1
Oil Tumbles -- 80-1
Rock Camroller -- 80-1

Achilles Blue Chip -- 90-1
Audreys Dream -- 90-1
Dm Big Dog Daddy -- 90-1
Talkin First -- 90-1

Fearless Diablo -- 100-1
Lyons Johnny -- 100-1

Good luck to all 63 colts still eligible for the Pepsi 2011 North America Cup, and to all their connections.

2011 Pepsi NA Cup; Top 40 Contenders

Pepsi North America Cup advance odds

The 2011 North America Cup will be raced on Saturday, June 18 at Mohawk Racetrack in Campbellville, Ontario. Here are my Top 40 Contenders for the race, with advance odds initially based on Trot Magazine's Spring Book, then refined as race date gets closer.

Top 40 Contenders for the 2011 North America Cup

#1 - Big Jim -- 5/2
#2 - Shadyshark Hanover -- 4-1
#3 - Feel Like A Fool -- 5-1
#4 - Fashion Delight -- 6-1
#5 - Foreclosure N -- 12-1
#6 - Prodigal Seelster -- 15-1
#7 - Big Bad John -- 15-1
#8 - Powerful Mist -- 16-1
#9 - Mystician -- 18-1
#10 - Lookinforadventure -- 20-1


#11 - Wink N Atcha -- 22-1
#12 - Grams Legacy -- 22-1
#13 - Custard The Dragon -- 25-1
#14 - Prana -- 25-1
#14 - Joe Palz -- 25-1
#15 - Rock To Glory -- 28-1
#16 - Just Asign To Me -- 28-1
#17 - Dutch Richman -- 30-1
#18 - Dapper Denzil -- 35-1
#19 - Up The Credit -- 35-1
#20 - Roll With Joe -- 35-1

#21 - Wind Me Up -- 38-1
#22 - Arsenal -- 40-1
#23 - On The Radar -- 40-1
#24 - Reckless Ric -- 45-1
#25 - Watermelonwine -- 45-1
#26 - Betterthancheddar -- 48-1
#27 - Bettors Green -- 48-1
#28 - Ohmygosh Hanover -- 48-1
#29 - D M Bodatious -- 50-1
#30 - Keystone Velocity -- 50-1


#31 - Bestofbest Hanover -- 55-1
#32 - Draconian -- 55-1
#33 - Facebook -- 55-1
#34 - Four Starzzz Z -- 55-1
#35 - Jackson Killean -- 55-1
#36 - Mach Of Ballykeel -- 55-1
#37 - Nakai Hanover -- 60-1
#38 - Risk Management -- 60-1
#39 - Townslight Hanover -- 60-1
#40 - Doin Time Together -- 60-1


Still in the hunt for North America Cup:

Dreamfair Kovu -- 65-1
Eighteen -- 65-1
Ideal Joe -- 65-1
Rockabillie -- 65-1
Western Alumni -- 65-1

Big Time Rocks -- 70-1
We The People -- 70-1

Lyons Elite -- 75-1
Roll On -- 75-1
A And Gs Express -- 75-1
Drain Daddy -- 75-1
National Interest -- 75-1

Celebrity Citation -- 80-1
Mickey Hanover -- 80-1
Oil Tumbles -- 80-1
Rock Camroller -- 80-1

Achilles Blue Chip -- 90-1
Audreys Dream -- 90-1
Dm Big Dog Daddy -- 90-1
Talkin First -- 90-1

Fearless Diablo -- 100-1
Lyons Johnny -- 100-1

Good luck to all 63 colts still eligible, and to all their connections.

January 2011 Harness Racing News; Jeff Gural interviews

North American Standardbred Pacing and Trotting News

Alexie Mattoosie and Bettor Sweet dead heat in 1.49.4 in Presidential


Tim Tetrick nears 6,000th win, will break age record held by Walter Case Jr


Twin B Warrior wins Willowdale Stakes at Woodbine


Trainer Brent McGrath buys Somebeachsomewhere colt




YouTube.com videos of new Meadolands investor Jeff Gural


Meadowlands Racing interview with Jeff Gural, Part One:







Meadowlands Racing interview with Jeff Gural, Part Two:

Harness driver Doug McNair wins 1,000 races at 20

New world record for youngest Standardbred driver to record 1,000 victories

Is Doug McNair the Wayne Gretzky of harness racing drivers? Well, it's too early to go that far, however he is the best young driver in the game and one whose technique may influence driving in ways rarely seen. The thing noticed about him recently is that he likes to get almost completely flat, becoming an aerodynamic missile the horse can pull along with ease.



Whether there is an actual physical effect on wind resistance or if it is just that the horse appreciates the athleticism of young McNair, regardless, it's a joy to watch and fascinating to ponder. Here's wishing Doug many more victories, hoping to see you on the OJC (okay, WE...) circuit more in 2011.




Guelph Mercury story on Doug McNair 1,000 race milestone, by Dave Briggs

London Free Press honours record-breaking driver Doug McNair




Harness racing driver Doug McNair (at age 18) piloting Trail Boss to victory in the Battle of Waterloo

Shadow Play trains in 1:58, readies for qualifier at Charlottetown Driving Park

Dr. Ian Moore reports that Shadow Play is tuning up nicely and will be qualifying as soon as next Saturday.

"With a decent track (off a tick) and a strong wind, Shadow paced his last of 3 training miles at his home track in 1:58 flat, first and last quarters in 29. He was very strong and all continues to be well."


Dr. Ian Moore training report on Shadow Play



Have you been wondering how Beach is doing in his new career as a standardbred pacing stallion? I was, and was pleased to get this good news from Adam Bowden's Diamond Creek Farms blog:

"He did it on the racetrack and he has continued his dominance in the breeding shed. Again, I can only comment on what I see but the numbers speak for themselves. We have bred six mares to Somebeachsomewhere and all six have been pronounced in foal. Five of the six mares were only covered once and the sixth mare was covered a second time because she didn't ovulate when bred the first time. The mares we bred to Somebeachsomewhere range from 18 year old Can Du River to maiden Loving Caroline, to foal-heat bred Loyal Opposition. I know I don't speak for everyone, with respect to the semen quality, but I couldn't be happier with the numbers we have received."

Hoping to hear more good news about Beach offspring on the way.

Maritimes harness racing fans will likely never see another year like 2008, but if Shadow can stand up well against Mister Big, Dali and other top pacers, there could be more good news coming for PEI.

January 2009 Harness Racing Stories

Here are some online articles about standardbred horse racing, breeding and betting that caught my eye this month:

January 2009 Harness Horse Racing News - Pacing and Trotting


Tetrick returns to harness horse driving in winning form


Adam Bowden's Diamond Creek Farm Blog


Stallion Numbers Declining In Quebec


Standardbred Canada Announces 2009 Standardbred Wagering Conference


Winbak Speed Wins Final, Sweeps Presidential Series


2008 Joe O'Brien Profiles - Three-Year-Old Trotting Colts / Geldings

O'Brien Award Finalists 2008 - Three-Year-Old And Aged Pacer

Dali wins Matron Stakes in World Record 1.48.2!!!

Matts Scooter grandkids Beach, Shadow and Dali Shine in '09

Congrats to Dali and all his connections on a great finish to a solid season. The ascending 3 year old colt broke the track record, the Matron Stakes record and tied the world record for a 3 year old pacer on a 5/8 mile track, set by Shadow Play in the Adios earlier this year.

HN Horse Driver Win Place Show
6 Dali Ron Pierce 3.60 2.40 2.20
2 Blueridge Western Dave Palone 2.80 2.10
4 Lisfinny David Miller 2.20



Time: 1:48.2

Finish Order: Dali, Blueridge Western, Lisfinny, Santanna Blue Chip, Proper Respect, Jo Pa`s Wild Card, First Rate, Mystery Chase


With this convincing victory Dali lowered his lifetime mark by a second and set himself up nicely for stud duties, whether it be in 2009 or 2010.

Read the USTA article on Dali winning the Matron Stakes at Dover Downs

Once again it proves to be Matts Scooter's year. Somebeachsomewhere is by his son Mach Three. Shadow Play is out of Matts Filly, a daughter of Matts Scooter and Breezes Girl, by Warm Breeze.

Dali, a son of Real Desire out of the Matts Scooter daughter Armbro Tea, is the star of the Holyday Season and makes grandad Matts proud yet again. Considering the robust and improving form Dali showed in the elimination and final, had Somebeachsomewhere been there it's likely there would have been an incredible stretch duel between Beach and Dali, with the winner breaking the world record. Even as it is, Dali's victory over a sharp Blueridge Western and a strong Lisfinny is a completely satisfying way for a Canadian stantardbred racing fan to end the harness horse stakes racing season. For someone with PEI (dad) and NB (mom) heritage, 2009 will always be remembered as the Dream Season. Dali is some beautiful icing on the cake for all his fans in Ontario, and across Canada, the USA and around the world.

Here's thanks to all involved in harness racing in 2008, and may you have an inspiring, fun, adventurous and rewarding 2009!!!