North American News

Sweet Lovin Lou And Beau Jangles Headline North America Cup Eliminations

The road to the $1 million Pepsi North America Cup reaches a crucial stage this Saturday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park with two highly anticipated elimination heats set to determine the ten finalists for Canada’s biggest race for three-year-old pacers.

While advancing to next week’s final is the primary objective, both eliminations have drawn enough quality to provide an early glimpse of who may ultimately lift the trophy on June 13.

The opening elimination looks an intriguing contest with Sweet Lovin Lou narrowly getting the nod as the horse to beat.

The son of Sweet Lou has done very little wrong throughout his career and comes into the race off an excellent second behind Brandon Blvd in the Somebeachsomewhere Stakes. He has proven himself against the best of his generation and from post six should be able to work his way into a prominent position.

The biggest threats appear to be Al Papi and Lindy Dragonwater, both representing the powerful Ron Burke stable.

Al Papi was one of last season’s better colts and while he is still searching for his first win of the season, his overall body of work suggests he remains a major player. Lindy Dragonwater also possesses plenty of ability and should appreciate dropping into an elimination that lacks the depth of the second heat.

Of the others, No Waitlist has shown promise and could add value to exotic bets, but Sweet Lovin Lou appeals as the most reliable option.

The second elimination is where the fireworks begin.

All eyes will be on the undefeated Beau Jangles, who puts his perfect fifteen-from-fifteen record on the line against a field packed with quality.

The Canadian superstar has done everything asked of him throughout his career and continues to look every inch a worthy favourite. While drawing post seven is not ideal, his class and versatility have been evident throughout both his two and three-year-old campaigns.

His main danger may well be Brandon Blvd, who announced himself as a genuine Cup contender with a stakes-record performance in the Somebeachsomewhere Stakes last weekend. Dexter Dunn had the option of driving several runners in this elim and his choice of Brandon Blvd speaks volumes of his chances. He possesses high speed and appears to be improving with every start.

Melillo rounds out the leading trio after an impressive Pennsylvania Sires Stakes victory. The Burke-trained colt has continued to develop this season and looks capable of earning his place in next week’s final.

Odds On Mr Mamba will attract plenty of attention after his world record performance in Indiana, but this represents a significant rise in class and he will need to prove he can reproduce that form against the very best sophomores in North America.

My selections for the eliminations are Sweet Lovin Lou from Al Papi and Lindy Dragonwater in the opening heat, while Beau Jangles gets the vote over Brandon Blvd, Melillo and Odds On Mr Mamba in the second division.

If both favourites perform to expectations, next week’s North America Cup Final could shape as a fascinating showdown between the unbeaten champion Beau Jangles and a rapidly improving Brandon Blvd.

by Bevan Greig for Harnesslink