North America Cup Card Trumps the Sports Weekend

The US Open is in full stride with Phil right there ready to try for his first US Open. Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals are on tap. The Foster is at Churchill. But for me at least, nothing tops this North America Cup Card at Mohawk Raceway.

At times the Cup card can be a bit of a snoozefest. Sure there are stakes races, but usually there is one standout where we have to fight a short price. Tonight, at least on paper, this is not the case. This card is very good for both fans and bettors. In fact, I think it's the best Cup card I have seen in many years.

In race two, the $270,000 Armbro Flight it's tough to see past Maven. We've been a fan of this filly since she beat Check Me Out in her first start last year and she has rarely disappointed. However, she is beatable and at 3-5 or lower I will look elsewhere. Personal Style, Cedar Dove and even Bax of Life, could be there with some luck.

In race three, the $364,000 Elegant Image has an even money shot in the morning line, but I think there is little chance that filly has a 50% chance to win. This race is extremely contentious, as you can see by last week's final times. Mario's trotter was quite good last week and should be a really nice price. I think Handover Belle needed her last one and should peak tonight, although she'll need pace to chase. To Dream On, the Takter filly, was not great last week, but Takter horses have a habit of bouncing back. This is a fantastic race.

I Luv the Nightlife is a 4-5 morning line shot in the  $391,000 Fan Hanover, but again, I think this line is way too short. Love Canal, Jerseylicious and others certainly have a shot. One I will use as a bomb in the Pick 4's is Parlee Beach. The filly has had some terrible tying up problems this season and she could pop at anytime. She's a quality filly.

In the big one, the $1,000,000 North America Cup, it seems wide open. Any one of several with a trip should be able to win. Captaintreacherous, who will likely not be his 2-1 morning line, looks like a play against at anything under 8-5. The horse inside him, Fool Me Once, has always been a good horse and was solid last time. Wake Up Peter was quite good and people tend to forget his Breeders Crown elim win last year which was mind bogglingly impressive. He is a quality horse. Odds on Equuleus, a horse I think could end up being the division leader, had a pus pocket burst last week yet still raced well. This is a super nice race.

In the $100,000 Gold Cup for older pacers, a magical field has been assembled. Warrawee Needy was super last week at Tioga, and Modern Legend could be a nice price here.

In the Goodtimes, we find ourselves with a race that could provide a bomb winner. There are no standouts here and I sense that the outside post horses - Flanagan Memory and Caveat Emptor - if the pace is hot have a shot. Hamdalla looks very logical and might even be a price in here.

The rest of the card is good as well, and even with the twenty cent option that scares a lot of serious players, the pick 4 is bettable.

I'm looking forward to a great evening of harness racing.

Free programs are here. 

HANA Handicappers selections are here. 

Enjoy your Saturday everyone!