Mike Russo: “Voukefalas seems 100%” for NA Cup Final

After rebounding from stumbling and nearly falling to the harness racing track surface, Voukefalas (Lazarus N) still was able to make the final of the $1,000,000 Pepsi North America Cup Saturday (June 17) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

A three-year-old colt, Voukefalas (named after the horse that Alexander The Great rode in battle) was the race favorite in the first $50,000 elimination division last Saturday. Horses had to finish first or second to make the $1 million final or be one of the two third place finishers to draw in the big dance.

Competing in the first division of the NA Cup eliminations, Voukefalas and driver Jordan Stratton were going after the lead on the first turn when the colt stumbled but regained his form and settled into fifth place.

CHRISTCHURCH REPLAY

Voukefalas not only stumbled but was able to kick-in a last half mile in :52.2 to be second and had a :26.1 last quarter mile. The only other horse to show that kind of closing speed and made it to the final was another second-place finisher, Save America, with an identical last quarter in :26.1.

“He seems 100%,” said Russo Monday afternoon.

There were some rumors spreading that Voukefalas might be lame from the stumbling on the track.

“Him not being in the draw is one of the dumbest rumors on earth,” Russo said. “His nose almost hit the dirt and he still came a last half in :52.2. He is ready to race.”

What did Russo think happened with Voukefalas?

“He jumped something,” Russo explained. “He wore a shadow roll last year. But he hasn’t worn one this year. So, it’s time to put it back on him.”

Woodbine Mohawk Park is putting on a special media conference tomorrow (Tuesday) at 12:00 noon. The Pepsi North America Cup draw and luncheon will be live streamed on Woodbine.com/Mohawk/.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink