Throughout the past week, the SC website counted down the top 10 pacers in the Trot 2011 North America Cup Spring Book complete with updates
from their trainers.
Named both two-year-old colt pacer in Canada and the United States for 2010, Big Jim gets the nod as the top pick in Trot 2011 Pepsi North America Cup Spring Book with odds of 3-1. Trot Insider caught up with trainer James "Friday" Dean for an update on how the fastest two-year-old in the history of harness racing wintered and what's on tap for the son of Western Ideal in 2011.
Where did he winter?
"He wintered at the Southern Oaks Training Centre in Sorrento, Florida. It is the facility owned by Tim Pinske."
When did you start back with him?
"We never really quit with him. He had the first week off when we got here, but we jogged him every other day after that until first of the year and then we started back with him full time."
Where are you at with him right now?
"I’m going to slip him into the racebike on Monday morning (April 4) and go a mile in 2:02 with him. I’ve been in 2:08 in the jog cart with him twice."
Have you noticed any changes from last year to this year?
"He’s really the same horse for the most part. He filled out a bit, but he didn’t get much taller. I let his hopples out 1-1/2 inches from 58” to 59-1/2”."
When will he qualify?
"I’m going to go with him on April 22 down here. I’m trying to get a flight booked for Phil Hudon to come down to go with him. He’ll ship back to Canada on April 24 and land at Mohawk on either April 25 or 26. I’ll qualify him a week later once he gets there."
What will his early schedule look like leading up to the Pepsi NA Cup?
"He’ll have the elims for the Abbatiello [Anthony Abbatiello New Jersey Classic] and hopefully the final the following week at the Meadowlands and then the Somebeachsomewhere Stakes at Mohawk."
What does his tentative schedule look like after the NA Cup?
"I’m pointing him towards the big two – the North America Cup and the Meadowlands Pace. And then later in the year I’m looking forward to the Jug."
Here are the prior updates on the Spring Book Top 10:
- #2 - Shadyshark Hanover
- #3 - Feel Like A Fool
- #4 - Fashion Delight
- #5 - Foreclosure N
- #6 - Prodigal Seelster
- #7 - Big Bad John
- #8 - Mystician
- #9 - Rollwithitharry
- #10 - Great Vintage
Watch for the full list of Spring Book odds on the SC website on Monday, April 11.
I love your answer to the
I love your answer to the scheduling question. Always considered North America Cup, Meadowlands Pace and Little Brown Jug the real Triple Crown !!! Best of luck
Heck of a nice racehorse.
Heck of a nice racehorse. Good luck James, Phil and Co