Never before in harness racing has a horse with the word "big" in its name won a million dollar race. Can Phil Hudon break that streak with Big Jim in Saturday's Meadowlands Pace?
"I would sure love to make history on Saturday," said Hudon to Trot Radio's Norm Borg. "I think the horse is capable of it."
Big Jim has certainly enjoyed racing at Meadowlands Racetrack this year. The three-year-old colt is 3-for-3 at the Big M, including a victory in the $400,000 New Jersey Classic on May 28 and a win in his Meadowlands Pace elimination race on July 9.
"I think his last start was the soundest he's been all year," stated Hudon. "In the post parade he was 100 per cent. He'll have his gameface on Saturday night for sure."
So far this year, Big Jim has won three of six races and earned $452,720 for owner Jim Carr, trainer James “Friday” Dean and driver Phil Hudon. Big Jim was second in a division of the Somebeachsomewhere Stakes at Mohawk Racetrack and third in both his elimination and the $1.5 million final of the North America Cup, also at Mohawk.
A son of Western Ideal out of the mare Bold Pink, Big Jim will try to become the first two-year-old divisional champion to win the Meadowlands Pace since Presidential Ball in 1993. Big Jim was named the O'Brien Award and Dan Patch Award winner as best two-year-old male pacer after winning six of 10 races and $827,204 last season. His wins included a world-record 1:49.1 triumph in the Governor’s Cup and a victory in the Breeders Crown.
"I’m pumped about it to tell you the truth,” Hudon said about competing in the Meadowlands Pace. “I’ve watched all the big guys race in it and win it, the great horses, and it’s just exciting to be a part of it.”
Hudon sees the race as a fairly even contest with no clear standout, not even his own world champion pacer who will leave from Post 2 as the 2-1 morning line favourite.
"There's probably four or five in there with the right trip that can get the job done."
To hear Hudon's thoughts on who the main contenders are, listen to the full interview by clicking the play button below.
Episode 210 – Driver Phil Hudon
Audio Format: MP3 audio
Host: Norm Borg
Please note that the opinions expressed in the featured interview are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect Rideau Carleton Raceway and/or Standardbred Canada.
Go, Phil, Go Friday, Go Jim
Go, Phil, Go Friday, Go Jim Carr, Go Big JIM!!!
As Phil said there were a
As Phil said there were a few wrinkles ironed out as he looked great on the track last week... and even better in the winners circle. Best of luck to the Big Jim team...go get em' Phil!
Darryl
I couldnt agree more with
I couldnt agree more with Trevors comments regarding Phil Hudon. One of the most underrated drivers for sure ! I've always said your a no body out there with out "power"......the top drivers are not top drivers due to being behind 50-1 shots night in and night out. All I can say Phil is your lucky you dont have your dads hands when it comes to driving.....lol Good luck saturday Phil !
Rob Brown
Phil Hudon is a class act
Phil Hudon is a class act and I think one of the most underrated drivers on the Woodbine circuit. It's great to see such a humble and appreciative guy have success in racing and get better drives. In my opinion Phil is a great role model for young up and coming drivers to learn from. Throughout all of his success with Big Jim you can tell Phil doesn't for a minute take for granted the opportunity he's been given to drive such a great colt. That's the type of guy you want driving your stock! Best of luck to Phil and the Big Jim team we'll all be rooting for you!