North American News

Last Saturday’s $1 million Pepsi North America Cup delivered another memorable chapter in North American harness racing history as Odds On Mr Mamba announced himself as the sport’s newest superstar.

After sitting patiently through much of the mile, James MacDonald unleashed the Melanie Wrenn-trained gelding in the stretch, where he stormed home to defeat Brandon Blvd with former unbeaten champion Beau Jangles forced to settle for third.

 

The victory not only earned MacDonald his first North America Cup but also confirmed Odds On Mr Mamba as one of the brightest stars of the three-year-old pacing division.

While the headlines rightly belonged to the Cup winner, attention now quickly shifts south to Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel, where Monday’s four $150,000 Kentucky Sire Stakes Finals for four-year-olds promise another outstanding afternoon of racing.

The pacing horse and gelding final shapes as one of the races of the season. Defending series stars Harrisburg Heist and Captain Arturovico have dominated throughout the preliminary rounds for Ron Burke and now clash in a loaded final. Harrisburg Heist has won five of six starts this season and brings exceptional speed into the race, while Captain Arturovico has swept all three preliminary legs and looks ready for another bold showing. They will have to contend with talented rivals including Special Select, Banderas and the consistent Damn The Torpedoes.

The trotting horse and gelding final is equally intriguing. Whiskey Wow returns after his impressive preliminary victory but faces strong opposition from Vugoo, Gimpanzee Dancer, Big Shoes and Te Quiero Lindy in what looks one of the deepest fields of the afternoon.

Among the mares, Ron Burke again holds a powerful hand. In the pacing final, Rose, Aintnothingucando and Champagne Room headline a quality lineup, while Three Times Bettor attempts to bounce back after regaining winning form in the final preliminary.

The trotting mares final features another fascinating clash with Winnpanzee looking to rediscover her best against R Dutchess, Lasting Dream and the talented Aperfect Annie.

 

by Bevan Greig for Harnesslink