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East Rutherford, NJ – Nijinsky (Bettors Delight) won the North America Cup at Woodbine Mohawk Park to remain unbeaten in 2024. As a result, he takes over the top harness racing spot in the eighth edition of Dave Little’s weekly Road to The Meadowlands Pace Top 10 poll.
Nijinsky is the only horse with a chance to pull off the North America Cup/Meadowlands Pace double, which was last accomplished by Tall Dark Stranger in 2020.
| Rank | Horse
(Earnings – Mark) |
Driver, Trainer
Owner(s) |
Dave Little’s (and trainer’s) Comments |
| 1 |
Nijinsky($529,890 – 1:48.1)
|
L. Roy, A. BeatonWest Wins Stable,John D Fielding, Mark B Dumain
|
A perfect second-over trip led to a drink from the North America Cup, keeping the son of Bettor’s Delight unbeaten in five starts this year after going just 1-for-10 a year ago. Beaton: “It was pretty exciting. The only way it could have been any better is if Sylvain [driving Funtime Bayama] came out of the three hole and gave Legendary cover,” he said with a laugh. “We were content following Legendary. We knew he was going to get us there.”
Breeding: Bettor’s Delight-Pirouette HanoverLast Race: 6/15/2024 – Wbsb – N.A. Cup final – 1st (1:48.1) |
| 2 |
Captain’s Quarters($594,456 – 1:49.1)
|
J. Jamieson, H. HollandRich P Stiles |
Could not hold off Nijinsky in what was a valiant try. Holland: “He raced great. He got the toughest journey out of most of them. The winner got a better trip. That’s the bottom line. I was very happy with him. I’ll keep him as fresh as I can until the Meadowlands Pace.”
Breeding: Captaintreacherous-Prescient BeautyLast Race: 6/15/2024 – Wbsb – N.A. Cup final – 2nd (1:48.2) |
| 3 |
Funtime Bayama($381,948 – 1:49.1)
|
S. Filion, R. MoreauBayama Farms Inc |
Another big mile, had to settle for third in the Cup. Filion: “I was very happy with his performance. he left hard. I was hoping for a two-hole trip but we ended up getting a three-hole trip and got jammed up on the turn. He’s been great for us. We’ll give him the week off and start to get ready for the Pace.”
Breeding: He’s Watching-Tymal SugrbabydollLast Race: 6/15/2024 – Wbsb – N.A. Cup final – 3rd (1:48.3) |
| 4 |
Captain Albano($552,915 – 1:49.2)
|
T. McCarthy, N. DaleyPatricia Stable, L A Express & Sjoblom Inc, Michael E Dolan |
Made two moves before the half and might have had a third had there been room from the pocket in deep stretch. Settled for fourth. Daley: “I’m biased, but me and my driver thought we were the best. He had to stop him in the straight. He was spot on. We knew the horse that ended up second-over would win the race. He will not race in between now and [the Pace] elims.”
Breeding: Captaintreacherous-AngelouLast Race: 6/15/2024 – Wbsb – N.A. Cup final – 4th (1:48.4) |
| 5 |
Legendary Hanover($377,209 – 1:48.3) |
J. MacDonald, A. BeatonEric K Good, West Wins Stable,Mark B Dumain |
Ended up having to do the dirty work, providing the live tow for stablemate Nijinsky. Were you happy as it was unfolding? Beaton: “I thought he put in a great effort. we got stuck in a bad spot with him. He had to do the heavy lifting but that’s all part of racing. After a light week, I will decide if I’m going to qualify Legendary and Nijinsky next week.”
Breeding: Huntsville-Lillian HanoverLast Race: 6/15/2024 – Wbsb – N.A. Cup final – 5th (1:49) |
| 6 |
McCrunch($35,775 – 1:49) |
Y. Gingras, N. Takter3 Brothers Stable,Caviart Farms,Joe Sbrocco, JAF Racing LLC |
Sports a gawdy record of 5 Meadowlands starts, 5 Meadowlands wins. Did not go to The N.A. Cup. It’s time to look for a race before the Pace, no? Takter: “He’s racing Saturday at The Meadowlands. He’s doing well. At this time of year, keeping them healthy and fit and happy is the goal.”
Breeding: Captain Crunch-McGibsonLast Race: 5/31/2024 – M1 – W1-NW3 – 1st (1:49) |
| 7 |
Captain Luke($354,174 – 1:49.3) |
S. Zeron, T. AlagnaRobert J Leblanc, Pryde Stables Inc,Bradley J Grant, Steven Head |
Went an inside trip, finished 6th behind a pretty good top five in the Cup. Alagna: “He actually tied up [in the Cup]. The way the trip worked out he would not have had a clear shot. I expect him to bounce right back. I’ll race him next week if they have a 3-year-old race or an overnight at The Meadowlands. If not, he’ll qualify.”
Breeding: Captaintreacherous-Bodacious HanoverLast Race: 6/15/2024 – Wbsb – N.A. Cup final – 6th (1:49.2) |
| 8
|
Mirage Hanover($186,883 – 1:49.3) |
T. Tetrick, J. LeamonMarvin J Rounick |
A third-place finish in the Cup consolation after no racing room late. Leamon: “He probably would have won had he got out. He was locked in for his life. He looked like tons the best. I’ll probably look for a race next week, or maybe just a qualifier. We’ll see how it works out.”
Breeding: Bettor’s Delight-Mayhem SeelsterLast Race: 6/15/2024 – Wbsb – N.A. Cup consolation – 3rd (1:49.2) |
| 9 |
Gem Quality($488,401 – 1:50) |
D. Dunn, C. RyderLet It Ride Stables Inc,Odds On Racing, Bradley J Grant,Enviro Stables Ltd |
Wilted to 5th in the Captain’s Quarters elimination win. A disappointed trainer decided to skip the consolation. What now? Ryder: “He’s doing well, we just have to decide what we are doing next. Hoping to get a race or a qualifier. The way they go in qualifiers, I don’t particularly care which it is.”
Breeding: Captain Crunch-TwinkleLast Race: 6/8/2024 – Wbsb – N.A. Cup elimination – 5th (1:51) |
| 10 |
Nuclear($107,920 – 1:48.4) |
A. Miller, J. HollowayVal D’Or Farms |
Burst onto the scene a week ago with a flashy 1:48.4 score in his first start of the year. Where’s he been, Joe? Holloway: “He is getting past a case of atrial fibrillation. He got a great trip [in his win] and now is good to go.” Nuclear will take this week off.
Breeding: Always B Miki-Can’tgetenuffofyouLast Race: 6/14/2024 – M1 – NW2 – 1st (1:48.4) |
by Dave Little, for The Meadowlands
