The countdown to the 2018 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 14-1, Hayden Hanover comes in at #5 in Trot Magazine's 2018 Pepsi North America Cup Spring Book.

Owned by Pinske Stables and Hanover Shoe Farms' Jim Simpson, Hayden Hanover put together a 2-4-3 record from 11 starts with $324,840 in purse earnings. Trot Insider caught up with trainer Julie Miller for an update on the speedy son of Somebeachsomewhere.

Where did he winter?

"After his two-year-old season he had a nice little vacay at Kentuckiana Farm, and then when he went to resume training for his three-year-old year he went down to Southern Oaks to Pinkses, and they trained him in Florida for the winter ."

When did he start back?

"He started back in January, and Andy [Miller] was able to go down and train him a couple of times."

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

"Carter Pinske kept in contact with us on his return to the track. He said he got bigger, thicker, stronger."

Where is he at now?

"He's trained in 2:04 (as of April 13), obviously in hand, feels like a million bucks."

When will he qualify?

"If I could map out the perfect plan, I'd think [qualifying] the middle of May would probably be our goal."

What will his early schedule look like leading up to the Pepsi North America Cup and what is he staked to after the NA Cup?

"He's staked to pretty much everything, obviously we think highly of the colt, he was always really healthy last year and kept his weight on. He loved Canada last year; he raced really good up there.

"We've mapped out a stakes schedule. It would be nice for him to have some peak points like the North America Cup -- that is one of our target races but we'll let the horse tell us. We hope we're there and we hope we're in top shape to be there."

Will he race in the Somebeachsomewhere before the North America Cup?

"He's not eligible to the Somebeachsomewhere."

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

"Before the qualifiers in his two-year-old year, that second or third week we got him [from Pinkses]. He flashed a lot of speed and talent and I was like 'whoa, I think we've got something here...but of course you don't know what you have until you get to the races."

What's his biggest strength/best attribute?

"His versatility. He's quick off the gate but if Andy wants to take him back, he could. He's really handy....so however the race Andy determines will play out, he can put him in good striking position."

Where does the North America Cup sit on the bucket list of races you've get to win?

"It would obviously be a nice race to put on our roster of winning...all those big races are something you strive for. But it's one of the biggest races in North America or the world. For pacers, it's up there."

Previous Profiles:

► Trot N.A. Cup Spring Book: #6
► Trot N.A. Cup Spring Book: #7
► Trot N.A. Cup Spring Book: #8
► Trot N.A. Cup Spring Book: #9
► Trot N.A. Cup Spring Book: #10