The countdown to the 2017 Pepsi North America Cup is on, with Trot Magazine profiling the horses predicted to be the top contenders for Canadian harness racing's richest prize.

At 20-1, Dragnet Alert is #8 in Trot Magazine's 2017 Pepsi North America Cup Spring Book.

Dragnet Alert co-holds the mark for the fastest two-year-old pacing gelding in harness racing history by virtue of his 1:49.2 mark taken at The Red Mile in October. He's the first of two sons of Dragon Again to crack the Spring Book Top 10; Dragon Again sired 2015 Cup winner Wakizashi Hanover.

A $20,000 yearling, Dragnet Alert was a July acquisition of Crawford Farms Racing. The colt had a record of 2-2-0 in the five starts after the purchase for the Crawfords and trainer Chris Oakes. Trot Insider caught up with Oakes for an update.

Where did he winter?

"Dragnet wintered at Crawford Farms. He was turned out in a lush paddock and gained great weight. He then shipped to the South Florida Trotting Center in January."

Have you noticed any changes from last year to this year?

"He's bigger and stronger and more mature looking this year."

Where are you at with him right now and when will he qualify?

"He has been in 2:10. He will qualify in 3-4 weeks."

What will his early schedule look like leading up to the Pepsi North America Cup?

"He will start a few races in Pennsylvania then head to Canada if all goes well." Dragnet Alert is not eligible for the Somebeachsomewhere.

What does his tentative schedule look like after the NA Cup?

"After he will head to the Max Hempt at Pocono and week to week after that. He is staked well for the rest of the year."

What makes this horse such a great competitor?

"His biggest asset is that he has a big closing kick in the stretch."

At what point last year did you think this horse was North America Cup material?

"I knew he was real when he broke the world record in Lexington."

Any stablemates in the barn right now that are paid up and also looking promising?

"Stablemate Bettors Western also staked and doing well."