It was 10 years ago this year that pacing colt Somebeachsomewhere dominated harness racing's headlines throughout his nearly flawless sophomore season.

In honour of the Canadian-sired superstar many consider one of the greatest Standardbreds to ever look through a bridle, Trot Insider will post the news stories from his on-track appearances throughout the year as they happened a decade ago along with the replays from those captivating races.

Ten years ago today, May 5, 2008, Somebeachsomewhere made his first on-track appearance as a three-year-old after his unbeaten rookie season that garnered him co-Horse of the Year honours in Canada.

MacGrath Comments On Dominant Qualifier

May 5, 2008

With driver Paul MacDonell in tow, Somebeachsomewhere put in his first charted line of the 2008 season this morning during the qualifying session at Mohawk Racetrack - and the effort was simply flawless.

"He's ready to rock 'n roll," trainer and co-owner Brent MacGrath told Trot Insider right after Somebeachsomewhere recorded a dominant open-length victory clocked in a sizzling 1:51.1.

After leaving from Post 3 in Race 4, MacDonell and the World Record-holding Mach Three colt worked out a two-hole trip early behind Legacy N Diamonds (driven by Jody Jamieson). Legacy N Diamonds tripped the opening stanza in 28 seconds flat.

MacDonell moved his unbeaten mount from the pocket up the backstretch and it was lights out from there.

The half was reached in :56.2; the three-quarters in 1:24, and Somebeachsomewherecharged home with a :27.1 kicker to post the impressive 10 and three-quarter length victory.

"This will be his only qualifier," said MacGrath, who stated that they were looking for the unbeaten three-year-old to go a mile this morning in about 1:52 and change.

MacGrath confirmed that Somebeachsomewhere is to make his much-anticipated seasonal debut Saturday, May 17 at Mohawk in an Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Elimination.

"This is the first time he's raced against other horses since he left [Mohawk] last year," said MacGrath. "He was really good this morning and we're really happy with the effort."

Somebeachsomewhere has been installed as the 5-2 favourite in Trot Magazine's 2008 Pepsi North America Cup Spring Book.