"I don't think he pays attention to stuff the way he used to. Early on he seemed to pay attention to everything, but he doesn't seem to be that type of horse any more. He's definitely better about that."

One of only seven two-year-old pacers in the history of harness racing to win sub-1:50, Feel Like A Fool is ranked at #3 in the Trot 2011 Pepsi North America Cup Spring Book with odds of 6-1. Trot Insider caught up with trainer and co-owner George Teague for an update on how the Art Major colt wintered and what's on tap for 2011.

Where did he winter?

"At my farm in Delaware. The winter was cold -- not Canada cold, but it was cold. We got our fair share of snow, but it was more the cold then the snow. The weather didn't make any difference to him or our program. This is the only place I've ever gotten my horses ready, right here in Delaware, same schedule, same routine."

When did you start back with him?

"Middle of January. He's always been good about going out and doing his work. He was great about getting back at it, no matter the weather."

Where are you at with him right now?

"He's been back right around two minutes."

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

"He's matured a little bit and has grown up well. He's always been a fair-sized horse, not a big horse, so he's filled out a bit and done the maturity part from two to three.

"Attitude-wise he seems the same, but I don't think he pays attention to stuff the way he used to. Early on in his season (last year) he seemed to pay attention to everything, but he doesn't seem to be that type of horse any more. He's definitely better about that."

When will he qualify?

"He will be qualifying within the next couple of weeks, hopefully."

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

"Well, he has the New York Classic at Tioga Downs (May 1) because he's New York-sired, so that's what we are shooting for."

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

"Well, he'll have a hectic schedule if he stays to form. He'll have the Meadowlands Pace, the Jug (Little Brown Jug), and a full slate of all the major stakes, so he has his plate pretty full."

Throughout the course of the week, the SC website will countdown to the Spring Book favourite, complete with updates from the trainers on the pacers that Trot staff assessed as the leading contenders for the richest prize in Canadian harness racing. Watch for the full list of Spring Book odds in the April issue of Trot Magazine.