Vertigo Hanover bested two other Pepsi North America Cup hopefuls tonight at Mohawk Racetrack, and gave notice that he is focused squarely on the road to the $1.5 million race scheduled for June 27

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In the $25,000 contest for three-year-old pacers, 3-2 favourite Vertigo Hanover and Steve Condren made the early lead from post number five, but relinquished that position to fellow NA Cup hopeful, Carnivore, with Chris Christoforou in the bike, at the 3/8 pole. Carnivore opened up a one-and-a-half-length lead by the half in a pedestrian :57.1, with Vertigo Hanover drafting comfortably in second. As the field entered the stretch, Vertigo Hanover angled out and took command, leaving Carnivore two lengths in his wake to win in 1:52.2.

Power off (Rick Zeron) was third, with the field’s other NA Cup eligible, Stinger Blue Chip, well beaten in sixth for driver Jason Brewer and trainer Casie Coleman.

Trained by Duane Marfisi, Vertigo Hanover is listed at 38-1 in Trot Magazine's 2009 Pepsie North America Cup Spring Book. A son of 1999 NA Cup champion, The Panderosa, Vertigo Hanover won a divison of the Niatross at The Meadowlands last year as well as a Woodrow Wilson elimination. So far at three, he has scored a win in a 1:52.3 conditioned event at The Meadowlands, and was third in his Berry’s Creek elimination before being caught at the wire in the May 9 final for a sixth-place finish.

He is owned by the Uncirculated Stable of Brantford, Ont. in partnership with JL Benson Stables Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

To view Saturday's results, click here.

(WEG)