Horse racing fans are set for yet another weekend of world-class racing as this Saturday is the long-awaited 38th edition of the Pepsi North American Cup. The prestigious stakes will be at Woodbine Mohawk Park, and on Monday evening at the track, Woodbine Entertainment conducted the draw for all ten post-positions for Saturday’s gala event.

The race will feature a total of ten three-year-old pacers, whose owners are now getting ready for the CA$1 million event. Bulldog Hannover and Perfect Sting were able to select their own post-positions, due to their victories in the elimination stages. The cup will go as Race 11 on Saturday and it will begin at around 10:42 p.m. ET.

Exciting Weekend Ahead

Bulldog Hanover’s team was able to select first and they went with post 4, while Perfect Sting’s team selected post 3. Bulldog Hanover is trained by Jack Darling, and the pacer won six of its eight starts this season and 10 of 14 during his overall career. The horse is the son of Shadow Play, and it will be competing to secure the second ‘Cup’ title for its trainer Mr. Darling.

On the other hand, Perfect Sting was last year’s undisputed Dan Patch Award winner, while this year he has four out of nine starts this season and never finishing below third. The horse is the son of Always B Miki and it will be attempting to provide its trainer Joe Holloway with a second ‘Cup’ and its driver David Miller with a third.

The other eight pacers’ positions were determined by an open draw. At post 1 is Jimmy Connor B for Doug and Gregg McNair. At post number 2 is Bettor Sun also for the same driver/trainer combo. At number 5 is Whichwaytothebeach for Sylvain Filion and Brett Pelling. Desperate Man is at number 6, Simon Says goes to 7, and 8, 9, and 10 are respectively for Abuckabett Hanover, Rockyroad Hanover, and Southwind Gendry.

The horse racing leader also informs that final driver changes and morning-line odds will be announced and set by 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The Pepsi North America Cup will be Race 11 in Saturday’s CA$3 million card. Tickets will be available at CA$10 at the entry or admission can be purchased all week during live racing hours. The race will also be broadcasted on TSN4.

Queen’s Plate Results

On August 22, 2021, horse racing fans had the opportunity to enjoy the 162nd edition of CA$1 million The Queen’s Plate. This is one of the most iconic thoroughbred racing events in the country and this year was won by Safe Conduct. Also, Woodbine Entertainment reported that during the 13-races card fans managed to accumulate over CA$16.1 million in wagering handle. This volume is the second largest in the history of the event.

How to Provide More Revenue

Last month, the president and CEO of Woodbine Entertainment, Jim Lawson revealed that he and CCO Michael Copeland are looking for additional ways of revenue. Mr. Lawson said that the company is now also considering on-site sportsbooks and one-stop shopping for sports bettors. The president also shared his willingness to enter into an agreement with one of the big-name sportsbook operators that will enter the newly-regulated market of Ontario.

Source: “Woodbine Mohawk Park: Posts drawn for 38th North America Cup”, DRF, September 6, 2021