Hudon Raves About Luck Be Withyou

Published: August 14, 2013 12:45 pm EDT

After his 1:51.3 effort last week, Luck Be Withyou not only established himself as a top contender for this year’s $700,000 (estimated) Metro Pace, he also became the fastest juvenile pacer in Canada so far this season.

Driven by Phil Hudon for trainer Bill Cass, the talented son of Western Ideal-Trim Hanover could be in store for a big payday in this year’s Metro Pace edition, Saturday, August 31, at Mohawk Racetrack.

But first, the two-time winner will take on eight rivals in his $81,811 division of the Nassagaweya Stakes this Saturday at the Campbellville, Ont. oval.

“There’s absolutely nothing not to like about him,” Hudon said. “He’s a true professional with quick speed and a great attitude. In his first start, he got a little hot on me, but since then he’s two fingers.”

The $77,000 yearling purchase also has some terrific bloodlines in his favour, being a three-quarter brother to world record holder and millionaire American Jewel (1:48.2 - $1,834,823).

“Conformation-wise, I can’t fault him,” Hudon said. “I’m not exactly sure why he was just a $77,000 yearling given his pedigree and the family he comes from. He’s a medium-sized horse with a solid, compact body to him. He’s all muscle and looks just like a two-year-old should.”

Hudon said he wasn’t surprised by Luck Be Withyou’s latest winning effort in 1:51.3 at odds of 19-1.

“I put him on the front because I wanted to dictate the pace,” he said. “Down the lane, I stretched him out a little bit, but he was within himself. Speed is certainly not an issue with him and he’s coming into the Nassagaweya in terrific form.”

Campaigning a two-year-old in major stakes events is something Hudon has experience in.

Just three years ago, Hudon was the pilot behind Big Jim, who captured the Breeders Crown and Governors Cup as a two-year-old before retiring with $1.5-million in purse earnings.

“It’s really hard to compare the two because it’s so early in the season,” Hudon said. “Big Jim is a bigger horse than this guy, but both horses certainly have the determination. Wouldn’t it be great if he turned out to be a Big Jim?” Hudon said with a chuckle.

Luck Be Withyou has $17,600 in the bank so far this season with a 2-0-0 record from four starts for owner John Craig.

Three divisions of the Nassagaweya Stakes take place this Saturday with many starters eligible for the $700,000 (estimated) Metro Pace beginning on Saturday, August 24.

The field will line up as follows:

Race 7
1) Carracci Hanover
2) Luck Be Withyou
3) Three Of Clubs
4) Here Comes William
5) Boomboom Ballykeel
6) Ari Allstar
7) Arthur Blue Chip
8) Journeyman
9) Beat The Drum

Race 9
1) Idealbeach Hanover
2) Twin B Speedo
3) Western Vintage
4) Goldin Parachute
5) Some Major Beach
6) For A Bettor Time
7) Somewhere In L A
8) Crafty Master
9) Im Drinkin Doubles

Race 10
1) Blacktree
2) Canadian Edition
3) Victor Bayama
4) Play It Again Sam
5) Twin B Spy
6) Marco De Vie
7) Surprise Hanover
8) Major Trick
9) Winds Of Change

Also on Friday’s program, a pair of $108,922 divisions of the Eternal Camnation will take place featuring the sport's top freshman pacing fillies. Many contestants are eligible to the $430,000 (estimated) final, also on Saturday, August 31.

The fields will line up as follows:

Race 3
1) Palm Beach Hanover
2) Bahama Blue
3) Wanna Rock N Roll
4) Rockingcam Park
5) Kay J Jet
6) Precocious Beauty
7) Take That Hanover
8) Hare To Eternity
9) Sudoku
10) Lyons Katrina

Race 5
1) Mind Over Matter
2) Sherkin Hanover
3) Beach Gal
4) Act Now
5) Badlyinclined
6) Seashell Hanover
7) Shes Da Bomb
8) Barefoot Beauty
9) I Need Hotstuff
10) Impatience

First-race post time for the card is 7:25 p.m.

To view the harness racing entries for Friday at Mohawk, click the following link: Friday Entries - Mohawk Racetrack.

(WEG)

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