With expectations high for divisional heavyweight Big Jim, trainer James "Friday" Dean knows that he can't expect a favourable result in Saturday's $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup unless some form of changes
are made.
After back-to-back losses for the first time in Big Jim's career, Dean told Trot Insider not to expect driver Phil Hudon on the front end.
"I think so, we've got to," said Dean at Tuesday's 'Cup' draw when asked about a change in racing tactics. "I think last week Phil said he was a little warm behind the gate, and he finally moved him [to the front] he couldn't get him to settle down."
Dean will add a set of pull-out ear plugs to Big Jim's equipment in hopes to relax his star pacer, who enters harness racing's richest pacing prize at odds of 7-1 from Post Position 1. The plugs will be a new addition for Big Jim, who never raced with them before and, according to Dean, there was never a need.
"Generally he doesn't get wound up," stated Dean. "Last year, you could drive him with two fingers."
After Saturday night's elimination, the son of Western Ideal enjoyed some turnout time and is feeling full of himself.
"I jogged him [Monday] and [Tuesday] he was pretty excited as there were some broodmares and babies running around," continued Dean. "Hopefully that will perk him up a bit."
Given that Big Jim was at the whim of the draw gods, Dean was "very happy" to draw the rail as the three elimination winners - Up The Credit (PP2), Powerful Mist (PP3) and Big Bad John (PP4) - will be directly to his outside in the next three posts.
Team Big Jim - driver Hudon, trainer Dean and owner Jim Carr of Hamilton, Ont.- will all be gunning for their first N.A. Cup title. Dean last raced in the 'Cup' final with Domitian Hanover (8th) in 2007. Hudon will be making his North America Cup debut.
For the 2011 North America Cup Field, click the following link: North America Cup Draw Complete.