It was 10 years ago this year that pacing colt Somebeachsomewhere dominated harness racing's headlines throughout his nearly flawless sophomore season.
In honour of the Canadian-sired superstar many consider one of the greatest Standardbreds to ever look through a bridle, Trot Insider will post the news stories from his on-track appearances throughout the year as they happened a decade ago along with the replays from those captivating races.
Ten years ago today, June 7, 2008, Somebeachsomewhere showed his sophomore debut was no fluke with an impressive score in his Pepsi North America Cup elimination at Mohawk Racetrack..
Ontario Breds Star in N.A. Cup Elims
Ontario-sired colts shone brightly at Mohawk Racetrack on Saturday night, capturing two of the three $50,000 eliminations for next Saturday's $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup.
Somebeachsomewhere remained undefeated in his eight career starts after capturing his $50,000 Pepsi North America Cup elim in a lifetime best 1:49, the fastest of the three eliminations.
Driver Paul MacDonell had the Mach Three colt sitting in third as Mark MacDonald put Mucho Sleazy on the front through the :26.2 opening quarter. MacDonell quarter-poled 'Beach' out of third and cleared easily to the lead before hitting the half in :54.1. Pressure started first up in the form of Art Official (Tyler Buter) and sustained through the hot 1:21.4 three-quarter station.
Down the lane, MacDonell asked Somebeachsomewhere for a bit more and he responded, pulling away for a two-length win in 1:49, just one-fifth of a second off the track and Canadian record.
Art Official and Mucho Sleazy grabbed place and show dough, respectively.
"I'm pleased with his effort," stated trainer Brent MacGrath after the win. "The horse had only been trained once in 45 days, came into last week's race with no training in a month. If I can train him up this week, he'll be much sharper in the final."
When asked if the colt was still hampered by the bruise that kept him out of the first Ontario Sires Stakes event of the season, MacGrath replied "The horse can't talk, but I don't think it's 100 per cent. I'd say it's about 80 per cent. But he overcomes it, all the great ones do. He's still a bit tentative on it, but we bought ourselves another week."
Schooner Stables of Bible Hill, N.S. own Somebeachsomewhere (Mach Three - Wheres The Beach), now eight-for-eight lifetime.