"I'm a strong believer in having a plan in the back of your head but really evaluating these horses start-by-start, depending on how these horses race and how their fitness seems. I think that plays into it more so for me than anything else."
The countdown to the 2013 North America Cup is on, with Trot Magazine profiling the horses predicted to be the top contenders for the prestigious pacing event set for Saturday, June 15 at Mohawk Racetrack.
Wake Up Peter has been assessed odds of 8-1 in Trot's 2013 Pepsi North America Cup Spring Book, ranked at #4. Trot Insider talked to trainer Tony Alagna for an update on the son of Rocknroll Hanover.
Where did he winter?
"He wintered at Gaitway Farms in Manalapan, New Jersey. From the Breeders Crown, Wake Up Peter went to Hunterton Farm for turnout."
When did you start back with him?
"He came in after the first of the year."
Have you noticed any changes from last year to this year?
"Ron Pierce was amazed at how much Wake Up Peter had changed from last year as far as maturity, and how much he'd grown and developed. I was surprised at how much Wake Up Peter had grown and filled out as well."
He qualified on Saturday in a sharp 1:52.4 with a final quarter of :26. Will Wake Up Peter be qualifying again?
"Yes, he'll qualify again this Saturday at the Meadowlands."
What does his tentative schedule look like before the NA Cup?
"The plan is to make the first start in the New Jersey Sire Stake. We'll re-evaluate after each time they qualify or start. We really haven't decided yet on the Somebeachsomewhere. If I feel that they need another race going into the North America then the Somebeachsomewhere is definitely where they will go."
What does his tentative schedule look like after the NA Cup?
"We want to be there for the marquee events. We want to be good for the Meadowlands Pace. He's eligible to everything. You're going to have to pick and choose along the way if you're going to stay good the entire year."