June 18, 2011
Celebrating its 28th renewal this year, the $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup is the richest pacing race in the world, featuring the best 3-year-old pacers in North America traveling the standard 1 mile distance around the 7/8 mile oval at Mohawk Racetrack in Campbellville, Ontario. A full field of 10 lines up behind the starter on a clear night with temperatures in the lower 70's. Pennsylvania Sires Stakes winner Big Bad John was sent off as the 9-5 favorite of his elimination win last week, over top local hope and 2-1 second choice Up The Credit, winner of the Somebeachsomewhere Stakes before taking his elimination heat, and 9-2 third choice Shadyshark Hanover, third in the Somebeachsomewhere and then second in his elimination.
Powerful Mist went to the front first time past the stands and got the opening 1/8 in 12 3/5 and the quarter in 26 2/5 over the fast track before favorite Big Bad John took over down the backstretch, getting the half in 55 2/5. Big Bad John led around the far turn and into the lane through 3/4 in 1:22 3/5, but he tired late as Up The Credit, wide throughout, took over inside the 1/8 pole and then held off Roll With Joe to win by 1 length in 1:49 3/5. It was another 3/4 length back to Big Jim third, while favorite Big Bad John faded to finish 5th beaten 2 1/2 lengths.
Results charts for the night
