The Horseplayer’s Journal: Full North America Cup Night preview and selections

The Pepsi North America Cup card at Woodbine Mohawk Park is one of the biggest harness racing meetings of the year, and Australian punters have a strong reason to tune in on Sunday morning.

The 13-race card is headlined by the $1 million Pepsi North America Cup, with familiar Australasian names including Dexter Dunn, Andrew McCarthy and Todd McCarthy featuring across the meeting.

Below is The Horseplayer’s Journal preview by Garnet Barnsdale, with race-by-race selections and analysis for the full card.

Jump To A Race

Race 1 | Race 2 | Race 3 | Race 4 | Race 5 | Race 6 | Race 7 | Race 8 | Race 9 | Race 10 | North America Cup | Race 12 | Race 13

Race 1

Selections: (2) Waffle Blue Chip, (9) Christopher Dance N, (5) Lous World, (1) Soaring Now

(2) Waffle Blue Chip made his fourth start of the season here last Saturday night and got some class relief after facing some of the best four-year-olds in Leg 1 of the Graduate Series. He had virtually no chance two starts back, starting from the 9-hole in a race paced in 1:47 3/5, the fastest race in Canada this year.

He got class and post relief last week and had Louis-Philippe Roy back in the bike. He was bet down to 1 to 5, made several moves in a wicked early pace and, after flying through three quarters in 1:20-flat, cruised to a 1:49-flat score.

He steps up and draws inside, but he can handle these and will likely make another backstretch brush to the front. Speed almost always prevails in the opening race of the North America Cup card because it is usually raced in the sunlight in perfect racing conditions. This Dave Menary trainee gets the call to repeat in this opening leg of tonight’s $100,000 guaranteed early Pick 5.

(9) Christopher Dance N was bought in April by heavy hitters Pollack Racing Stable and moved north into Dave Menary’s barn. He added Lasix last week coming in off two qualifiers where he did well chasing top older pacer Ervin Hanover, who last October paced the fastest mile in Canadian history here while dominating in the Breeders Crown Final.

This son of Sweet Lou was up against it starting from the widest post when the horse lined up directly to his left was sure to be blasting off the gate. He was forced to take back and closed well to get fourth. Now he adds Lasix and draws slightly better. He should be more aggressive tonight and would be no surprise in this spot.

(5) Lous World worked out a good trip three starts back and easily pulled away from his rivals in the lane for a lifetime-best score of 1:49-flat. He faced some rivals that were simply too tough for him in his next two starts and fits better here. Starting from one of the best posts, he is worth a look for early Pick 5 tickets.

(1) Soaring Now was a winner in the opener one year ago on North America Cup night, prevailing over a decent field of Open pacers by grinding first-over and then kicking into high gear late, pacing a 26 2/5 final quarter to get the job done.

He was a winner here three starts back, then raced well again when moved up to a class level similar to tonight’s. He had little chance racing against the fastest horse in Canadian history last week, especially from a wide draw. He loses driver Roy here, but can still work his way into the exotics.

Race 2

Selections: (6) Sensationalize A, (4) Cold Creek Fuego, (3) Caviar N Crackers, (9) Carrera Sunset N

Spot Play: Sensationalize A

(6) Sensationalize A was purchased by Team Cullen following her last win in Australia, where she paced 1:55 2/5 winning over 1 1/16 miles, which translated to a 1:51 4/5 mile rate.

Her qualifier on June 8 looks much better on video than it does on paper. She came up against 1:48 2/5 pacer Crack Shot, who was sent on a speed mission that morning. When he unleashed a 25 2/5 final quarter, he sped away from his rivals.

This mare was kept snug on the helmet of the pocket sitter for the entire stretch drive and finished off her mile appearing to be loaded with pace. She gets in against mares tonight and is worth a stab in this North American debut starting from the best post.

(4) Cold Creek Fuego had an excellent campaign in her first year of racing last year at three, taking nine wins and three seconds from 15 starts while earning more than $107,000. She finished off her season with flair, sweeping the Ontario Harvest Series.

She was so dominant that she went off at 1 to 9 in every leg, including the final. She had a nice tightener on May 29 in her four-year-old debut when a closing fourth to white-hot Twin B Empress, who has won six of her last seven starts.

She was bet down to 1 to 5 in her second start, but simply got too far back early and was so far gapped out that she was unable to pass them all in the back half. She faces some tougher mares tonight, but will offer a better price and is capable in this spot if she can stay within striking range.

(3) Caviar N Crackers is no doubt one of the classier mares in this field and should appreciate getting to drop down to the level where she last won. That mile came 12 starts back in April, when she flew home in 26-flat to get up for her 25th win.

Since then, she has faced a steady diet of tougher company, including five starts against Open mares and her most recent mile, where she closed for third when facing many of the best mares in the country in the Forest City Stakes. She should be able to find a live helmet to follow tonight and will likely be the one to fend off in the drive to the wire.

(9) Carrera Sunset N was racing well here before she ventured to London on their closing night and produced a big late kick to win going away over a field of Preferred mares that was perhaps watered down a bit because the Forest City Stakes was being raced on the same night.

Still, that was an impressive win, and she is sharp and worth a look for the exotics at a price.

Race 3

Selections: (3) Magic Punk, (5) Neighver Punt, (4) Touchedbyanangel, (1) Strobe Lite

(3) Magic Punk raced here last year in Grand Circuit action in the Grade 1 Bill Wellwood Memorial. He was very good then, winning his elimination before racing first-up to finish second in the $485,000 Final.

He kicked off his three-year-old campaign with a nice win in the Dexter Cup, then was even better in his elimination for this Grade 2 Goodtimes Final. He aggressively made two moves and pulled away from his rivals in deep stretch to establish a new lifetime mark.

Off that impressive winning effort, where he looked like he was on cruise control late, he is the one to beat in this opening leg of tonight’s early Pick 4.

(5) Neighver Punt improved in his second start of the season, finishing second in the Pennsylvania All Stars. In that mile, the best he could do was follow the leader home as that $2.10 winner laid over the field.

Like Magic Punk, he also set a new lifetime-best mark winning his elimination for this Grand Circuit final, trotting to a 1:51 4/5 mark. He did get an easier trip than Magic Punk, however, as he followed the live cover of the even-money favourite to the head of the lane before tipping out and surging past late.

He really dug in trotting the closing strides of that mile. He loses Yannick Gingras, who sticks with Magic Punk, but gets Dexter Dunn. He should be heard from late.

(4) Touchedbyanangel raced great in defeat last week, pressing the pace first-over to the head of the lane before taking over command turning for home. He trotted strongly to the wire, but Neighver Punt was able to chase him down. This is a fast-improving gelding who should give another strong account of himself.

(1) Strobe Lite was a Grand Circuit winner last year in a season where he earned close to $380,000. He finished his season off with a $150,000 payday, taking the OSS Superfinal.

He was given a perfect tightening drive in his 2026 debut, which was the elimination for the SBOA, where he trotted home in 27 2/5. As expected, he got a much more aggressive steer in the final and had no problem converting while pairing another 27 2/5 kicker.

In last week’s elimination, he was raced aggressively but was no match for Magic Punk. Starting from the rail tonight, he will likely be looking to pass several rivals late. He is preferred underneath in this spot.

Race 4

Selections: (5) Axial, (7) Silverwalls, (10) Figment, (6) Fire Control

(5) Axial was no match for rival Figment here three starts back, but raced tough in the lane to hold on for second in a solid effort.

He then got to face an easier field two starts back and was sent off as the 8 to 5 favourite after closing at 13 to 1 against Figment at his previous start. He converted, then stepped back up last week.

After cutting a quick opening quarter, he gave up command in a 27-flat second frame. He tracked the leader to the stretch, where those two opened up on the field. This improving gelding got up for the win over 1 to 5 favourite Figment right on the line for his second straight win.

He gets post-position advantage tonight and gets the nod to score the threepeat.

(7) Silverwalls was unlucky in defeat two starts back considering the huge mile he put together. He tracked a speed duel to the opening quarter that was paced in 25 4/5.

When the leader decided to hang out his first-over challenger, Tyler Borth moved this gelding three-wide, and he never cleared to the front until after the opening half was paced in a wicked 52 4/5.

He never let up from there, throwing down to three quarters in a wild 1:21-flat, and looked like he had the field put away in mid-stretch before a deep closer came and caught him on the far outside.

As often happens, he was given an easier trip last week, and he was closing on Axial and Figment at the wire. He may land in the pocket tonight, and that gives him a puncher’s chance.

(10) Figment found his best stride here on April 25, where he was very impressive in winning the second start of his four-year-old season.

After starting from post nine and dropping back early, he made the kind of backstretch move that you do not see very often at this track, unleashing a 27-flat second quarter to move to the lead from seventh. From there, he left no doubt, pacing his way to a dominant 1:50 4/5 new lifetime mark.

He paced another good effort on May 2, battling with the 2 to 5 favourite in a sub-1:50 mile. Since then, he has put together two wins in a row in classes similar to tonight’s, plus that narrow loss to Axial last week.

Post 10 is the separator. He can be played against in this spot.

(6) Fire Control got hung the mile from post six last week and was still there at the wire, only two lengths behind the three horses picked ahead of him here. He can land in the bottom of the exotics again tonight and could do even better if he can work out an easier trip.

Race 5

Selections: (2) Lexus Kody, (8) Logan Park, (5) French Wine, (4) Aetos Kronos S

(2) Lexus Kody returns to Mohawk Park where he swept the elimination and final of the Maple Leaf Trot last summer, two miles that started him off on a great summer run.

His exceptional mile in the Maple Leaf Trot Final was timed in 1:49 1/5 and established a new Canadian record as the fastest mile in the history of the country. That is a mark that could stand for many years.

He makes his third start of the season here in this $65,000 Free For All and this looks a suitable spot to secure his first victory of 2026.

(8) Logan Park jogged at 1 to 9 in his seasonal debut here on April 26 and was bet down to 1 to 5 by gamblers who expected more of the same on May 10.

After making a move to the front in the third quarter, he was engaged by an onrushing Usain Hanover and could not match strides. He ended up breaking stride after being passed.

He tried the Cutler in New Jersey with no luck, but looked much more like his old self on June 1 when he dominated many of tonight’s rivals in a 1:50-flat mile featuring identical halves of 55-flat.

He will no doubt be put into play leaving the gate and if Lexus Kody does not bring something close to his best race, the local hero could cause an upset.

(5) French Wine returns to the scene of his greatest triumph after winning last year’s Grade 1 Breeders Crown Open Trot.

He worked out a perfect trip that night following the first-over cover of Lexus Kody and may not enjoy quite the same setup here. Nevertheless, he is a proven winner at this level and should be included in multi-race wagers.

(4) Aetos Kronos S enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign, winning six races and placing second four times from 14 starts while banking more than $406,000.

His first two runs this season have been sound against quality opposition, but this is another deep contest and he is preferred for minor money.

Race 6

Selections: (1) Stonebridge Helios, (3) Dublin Dasher, (5) Jordy N, (4) Pacino Hanover

(1) Stonebridge Helios dropped to this class level last week and immediately showed sharp improvement.

With Dexter Dunn aboard, he was aggressively driven from the gate, eventually crossing to the lead past the quarter before carving out a fast 52 4/5 opening half.

Eventual winner Waffle Blue Chip pocket-popped in the third quarter and regained command in a wild 1:20-flat. Stonebridge Helios could not go with that winner but was clearly second at the finish.

He draws ideally, avoids Waffle Blue Chip this time and should be able to work to the front early. He gets top billing to start the 20-cent Pick 6.

(3) Dublin Dasher also dropped in class last week and, despite drawing the outside gate, committed to making the lead.

He cleared on the first turn before immediately coming under attack from Waffle Blue Chip. He was part of the scorching early speed and stuck on gamely, finishing less than two lengths behind Stonebridge Helios.

There is every chance he lands in that rival’s pocket tonight and gets his chance late.

(5) Jordy N exits the same race and produced a huge effort at odds of 55-1.

He settled back and closed strongly to grab third. Race shape may again make life difficult, but he has proven he can run into the placings at a price.

(4) Pacino Hanover was a transportation scratching last week when scheduled to face many of these rivals.

He fits the class and has the talent to figure, although missing a week is not ideal. He can still work into the trifecta and superfecta combinations.

Race 7

Selections: (6) Yo Tillie, (4) Warrawee Michelle, (1) Stormont Beautiful, (8) Bravo Angel S

(6) Yo Tillie is a winning machine who has been beaten only six times from 27 career starts.

She was a dominant winner of the Grade 1 Breeders Crown here last October and enters this assignment off a narrow defeat to a perfectly driven longshot.

That loss is not a major concern. She arrived for her Breeders Crown elimination last year off a defeat and we all know how that story ended.

From a favourable draw her intentions will be obvious. She is the one they all have to catch.

(4) Warrawee Michelle is another Breeders Crown winner from Mohawk Park and produced a brilliant late burst to score in that final last year.

She is undoubtedly high quality, but there are some concerns around race fitness after qualifying on May 8 and subsequently being scratched by the veterinarian 15 days later.

Ake Svanstedt rarely brings an underdone horse to a major race, but the lack of recent racing could become a factor late.

(1) Stormont Beautiful chased home Yo Tillie twice during the Breeders Crown series last season and was particularly good in the final when passing all but one rival in the stretch.

She has had three conditioning runs this campaign and was good again last week when finishing third. Expect her to be charging home late.

(8) Bravo Angel S won her first four starts of the season and showed versatility doing it.

She was only narrowly beaten in her latest start after circumstances went against her. The wide draw hurts, but she is capable of figuring in the finish at attractive odds.

Race 8

Selections: (9) Twin B Joe Fresh, (3) Louies Girl N, (2) Miki And Minnie, (6) The Last Martini

(9) Twin B Joe Fresh enters this contest off another outstanding season where she won six of nine starts and earned more than $724,000.

Her campaign ended prematurely after being scratched from the Breeders Crown due to lameness, and last week’s elimination was her first race appearance in eight months.

She looked like a mare that needed the run despite enjoying a good trip. Second-up with Lasix and improved fitness, she can bounce back strongly and may offer one of the bigger prices of her career.

(3) Louies Girl N has been a revelation since arriving from New Zealand.

She has won 13 of 15 starts for trainer Per Engblom and has not missed the placings during that period.

She was dominant in the Betsy Ross before lowering her lifetime mark to 1:48 4/5, then produced a huge first-over performance to win her elimination for this race.

She is racing at the peak of her powers and shapes as a major player.

(2) Miki And Minnie enjoyed another remarkable season at three, winning 13 of 15 starts and earning more than $1.55 million.

She closed strongly first-up this campaign before taking full advantage of a good trip to win her elimination last week.

She is a mare of the highest class and can certainly win again.

(6) The Last Martini dead-heated with Miki And Minnie in last year’s Breeders Crown and raced well in defeat last week when providing cover for the winner.

Doug McNair has never been afraid to drive her aggressively and she can run a big race at odds.

Race 9 – Mohawk Gold Cup

Selections: (9) Ervin Hanover, (8) Brue Hanover, (7) Prince Hal Hanover, (5) Calicojack Hanover

(9) Ervin Hanover had a tremendous season last year, winning 10 of 17 starts and banking more than $1 million on his way to claiming the Dan Patch Award as North America’s best older pacer.

His Breeders Crown victory at Mohawk Park was one of the standout performances of the season, stopping the clock in a Canadian record 1:46 2/5.

He resumed with a measured 1:49 1/5 victory last week and should derive significant benefit from that run. Despite drawing wide, he looks the horse to beat.

(8) Brue Hanover was unlucky in the Camluck Classic after drawing poorly but improved sharply last week when chasing home stablemate Ervin Hanover.

He is likely to be driven aggressively from the gate and could easily complete a Menary-trained quinella.

(7) Prince Hal Hanover is racing in excellent form and was outstanding in defeat in the Battle Of Lake Erie last week. He possesses enough speed to secure a prominent position and is capable of causing an upset.

(5) Calicojack Hanover won three consecutive races earlier this season and has continued to race well. He appears likely to fill a minor placing once again.

Race 10 – Fan Hanover Final

Selections: (3) Loua Dipa, (5) Be Perfect BG, (6) Perfect Thought, (1) Easy Station

BEST BET: Loua Dipa

(3) Loua Dipa can genuinely be called a horse for the course.

She was breathtaking in her Fan Hanover elimination, pacing 1:48 3/5 seemingly under a hold while easily disposing of her rivals.

This is the same filly who demolished her opposition in last year’s Breeders Crown and equalled the fastest mile ever recorded by a two-year-old filly in Canadian history.

After a slightly below-par return to racing, she emphatically reminded everyone of her talent last week. It will take something special to beat her.

(5) Be Perfect BG brings a perfect nine-from-nine record into this contest for trainer Tony Beaton.

She has shown versatility throughout her career and already looks every bit as good at three as she did at two.

Regular driver Dexter Dunn is almost certain to put her into the race early and she looms as the biggest threat to the favourite.

(6) Perfect Thought looked impressive winning her elimination but now faces two fillies that appear capable of pacing significantly faster than her. She may need race circumstances to fall perfectly.

(1) Easy Station has put together three consecutive victories this season and continues to improve. She is talented, but this is a much deeper assignment.

Race 11 – Pepsi North America Cup

Selections: (5) Beau Jangles, (3) Odds On Mr Mamba, (8) Al Papi, (4) Sweet Lovin Lou

PEPSI NORTH AMERICA CUP XLIII FINAL – GRADE 1 – $1,000,000

(5) Beau Jangles showed the first real vulnerability of his career last week when beaten in his elimination.

The previously unbeaten star was forced to race parked through a demanding third quarter and never looked completely comfortable. To the eye, he looked like a horse that needed the run.

He had been racing on a two-week cycle for the first time this season and should strip significantly fitter for the experience.

Expect a much more aggressive drive this time around. He gets the nod to bounce back in the $1 million feature.

(3) Odds On Mr Mamba has now won 10 consecutive races and is the horse that toppled Beau Jangles last week.

His acceleration in the straight was electric after circling the field and he showed exactly why many believe he is one of the most talented three-year-olds in North America.

He looms as the major danger again.

(8) Al Papi produced his best performance of the season in the elimination when cutting out strong fractions before fighting bravely for second.

If he can cross and find a prominent position again, he could make things interesting.

(4) Sweet Lovin Lou was excellent winning his elimination after a tough first-over trip. Scott Zeron takes the reins and he can once again be in the finish.

Race 12

Selections: (9) Callsign Rooster, (3) Bajan Firefly, (6) Exactly Correct, (4) Windsun Gunner

(9) Callsign Rooster is a three-year-old son of Cattlewash that has already shown plenty of ability at Mohawk Park.

He returns west after winning his first two starts of the season and should offer value despite drawing wide.

(3) Bajan Firefly takes a significant class drop and returns to a level where he has already been successful this season.

He looks the horse they all have to beat.

(6) Exactly Correct gets a major draw upgrade after starting from difficult gates in both runs this campaign.

Expect a much more aggressive ride from James MacDonald.

(4) Windsun Gunner has been consistently competitive at this level and should secure a better early position than he managed last week.

Race 13

Selections: (4) Borderline Mobby, (5) Windor, (9) Scorpion Seelster, (1) Stingray Deo, (3) Scammer

(4) Borderline Mobby has spent much of his career chasing Beau Jangles and deserves respect dropping back into this company.

He has endured several tough first-over trips in stakes company and should appreciate this assignment.

Expect him to be moving forward before the home turn and proving hard to hold out.

(5) Windor raced well first-up before trying his luck in North America Cup qualifying company.

If he behaves at the start, he has the talent to be right in the finish.

(9) Scorpion Seelster won two straight races before tackling stronger company and can bounce back despite drawing wide.

(1) Stingray Deo adds Lasix and draws favourably. He should enjoy an economical trip and can sneak into the placings.

(3) Scammer charged into second at massive odds last week and could again spice up the exotics.

2026 Pepsi North America Cup Final Field

North America Cup Final Time: Sunday morning (AEST) from Woodbine Mohawk Park, Canada.