Courtesy of speed and stakes wins, the Metro Pace-bound Big Jim has turned heads so far. Driver Phil Hudon has given the Western Ideal colt what could be considered one of the biggest compliments in racing heading into this weekend's Metro Pace eliminations
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After the James 'Friday' Dean pupil matched his 1:51.1 lifetime mark in the Nassagaweya Stakes Monday evening at Mohawk Racetrack, Hudon said in an interview with the Woodbine Entertainment Group that Big Jim reminded him of one of the best pacers the sport has ever seen.
"You know what? He just does everything so easily," Hudon said. "He's a big, strong horse and kind of reminds me of Mister Big at two, but maybe a little faster. I drove Mister Big at two and he was just about the same, big and strong, probably better-gaited too, mind you. He just feels good. I've driven some 'alright' horses, but he feels like the real deal. Time will tell I guess."
Big Jim will have a chance to make the next big steps in his career Saturday in one of four Metro Pace elims. Also on the attractive Mohawk card are elims for the Shes A Great Lady Stakes and Canadian Pacing Derby.
Big Jim's Nassagaweya split had been scheduled for last weekend, but power issues in the Mohawk area forced the card to be cancelled after the second dash. Thus, the stakes events which were not raced went forward Monday at the Campbellville area. During the WEG interview, Hudon was asked if he thought the altered racing schedule would affect Big Jim heading into his elim.
"I don't think so," Hudon explained. "He did that pretty handy. (He's a) big horse. I think he needed the work more than anything. (I think) it's better to go in there a little tighter five days from now than short. They just won't have to train him in between, that's all."
In regard to Big Jim's Nassagaweya victory, Hudon said the colt was in good order.
"He was really well in hand. I just moved him up the backside. Mark (driver Mark MacDonald with Ohmygosh Hanover) let me go and I let him pace a bit because I was worried about Mark for a bit -- well, I just thought he would give me a go -- and this horse (Big Jim) paced right to the wire, so I shut him down the last eighth -- he was shut right down."
Hudon also said that with the right post positions and the right trip he thinks Big Jim can go with anything.