Toni Rose, assistant trainer in the Steve Elliott stable, spoke with Trot Insider today regarding Western Hanover colt Well Said, which has been

installed as the 2-1 morning line favourite for the $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup.

The 'Cup' is the first million-dollar stakes race for three-year-old pacers this year in North America. The race will spearhead a stakes-laden card of racing at Mohawk on Saturday, June 27.

Well Said triumphed in what was the fastest of the four Cup elims, as the colt secured a quarter-length victory in 1:50. The colt will start from Post 5 with Ron Pierce at the controls in the Cup final.

Rose didn't mince words with Trot Insider, as the 47-year-old resident of East Windsor, New Jersey assessed this year's Cup field.

"I think it's a very even group," said Rose, echoing the sentiments of many industry observers. "[Well Said] came out of the race (his elimination) great. I'm a bit surprised with [Well Said's odds being] 2-1 because it's such an even group."

"It's hard shipping and racing", continued Rose. "But he's eating well and feeling like his old self."

Rose also stated during the draw press conference that she thinks Well Said will be even tighter on Saturday.

"He's coming up to the race good," she said. "We'll see how he trains his mile, how he comes out of that and go from there. The front end is not really his best style. He's better from behind. But when you get away fourth (in his elim), you don't have much choice but to come first over. He should be a lot tighter this weekend."

For a complete recap of the post position draw for the $1.5 million North America Cup, click here.

To view replays of the Cup elims, click here.

To view the charted lines from the elims, click here.