Can Bigtime Ball Take 'The Derby?'

His trainer says that he is a different horse than in 2008; and if punters didn't think Bigtime Ball was good enough to go with North America's Open class, all they had to look at was the Presidential Ball gelding's mile from last week's Canadian Pacing Derby elimination

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After leaving from Post 4 with Paul MacDonell calling the shots, Bigtime Ball was overland -- with cover -- most of the mile, yet still kicked home with a solid stretch performance against the continent's best. The five-year-old gelding finished just a half-length back of Won The West, which outkicked the Gord Irwin pupil in the 1:50.1 mile.

"Paul said that he (Bigtime Ball) raced great and that he could go with these horses [in the final]," Irwin told Trot Insider.

The trainer stated that Bigtime Ball, which will be starting from Post 3 in the $685,000 Canadian Pacing Derby, "came out of his elimination exceptionally good," and that he trained "exceptionally well" today.

"In a race like this between the best open horses in North America, the three hole means a lot," Irwin said. "If Paul can work out a trip, I think we can be able to get a piece of it."

With a starting spot like Post 3, if the action gets fierce on the front end, Bigtime Ball could possibly be in pouncing position when it matters most. When Trot Insider queried Irwin about the possible scenario, the conditioner opted for the high road.

"I try to never get too high or overconfident with these types of races," he said. "All I can do is ensure I'm bringing the best racehorse I can to the track. The rest will take care of itself."

Click here to view Mohawk's harness racing entries for Saturday, September 5.