Trot NA Cup Spring Book - #5
”His attitude seems much the same as it was last year, but he’s filled out a little bit from last year. He was gelded last year and lost a bit of weight and the hard racing schedule he had didn’t let him put on any weight towards the end of the season.”
Speed Again is ranked at #5 in the Trot 2012 Pepsi North America Cup Spring Book with odds of 15-1. Trot Insider spoke to the Dragon Again colt's trainer and co-owner, Jeff Gillis, for an update on the six-time winner.
Where did he winter?
"He wintered right here at our farm in Hillsburgh, Ont. "
When did you start back with him?
"We started back with him in the middle of January. He was a very wrinkle-free horse as a two-year-old."
Where are you at with him right now?
"So far we’ve been in 2:15 with him over the farm track."
Have you noticed any changes from last year to this year?
"I haven’t noticed any major changes in him so far. His attitude seems much the same as it was last year, but he’s filled out a little bit from last year. He was gelded last year and lost a bit of weight and the hard racing schedule he had didn’t let him put on any weight towards the end of the season. I’m happier with his overall condition this year."
When will he qualify?
"I plan on qualifying him sometime in early May. I’d like to qualify him a couple of weeks - maybe three weeks - before the Somebeachsomewhere Stakes. "
What will his early schedule look like leading up to the Pepsi NA Cup?
"Once he’s qualified I’ll shoot for a Three-Year-Old Open with him and then go to the Somebeachsomewhere."
What does his tentative schedule look like after the NA Cup?
"After the North America Cup he’ll probably have a short little break and then he’ll go to the Meadowlands Pace. He’s also eligible to Adios, Confederation Cup, Battle Of Brandywine, Simcoe and Breeders Crown. The only things he won’t have will be the Jug and Lexington."