Artstanding ready for Cup

Last July Artstanding quickly made a name for himself when he handed Western Ace his first-ever defeat when he upset that colt in the $175,000 New Jersey Sire Stakes final for 2-year-old colt pacers at the Meadowlands. In Saturday night’s eliminations for the $1.5 million North America Cup at Woodbine, the now 3-year-old Artstanding will once again meet up with Western Ace, with the duo slated to go postward in the middle of the three heats.

While Western Ace was scratched “sick” out of his Burlington division last Saturday at Woodbine, Artstanding was sitting out a week after having finished second in the $500,000 Anthony Abbatiello New Jersey Classic at the Meadowlands May 27, which came after a third-place effort in a Classic prep contest.

“Well, so far so good. I didn’t ask him for too much until last week, and when we did he responded,” trainer Tom Fanning told harnessracing.com. “We’re pretty confident he’ll race good this week. We gave him the week off to try and keep him fresh; we kept him at home (at Gaitway Farm in New Jersey). Hopefully that will benefit us, and if he’s lucky enough to make the final, he should be better.”

Artstanding, who will have the driving services of Hall of Famer Mike Lachance, drew post five in the elim, while Western Ace landed the outside eight slot. Also in the elim are Burlington division winners Joe To Go and Mr. Feelgood.

“If I had to rate all three divisions, I’d say we’re probably the ‘B’ group there,” said Fanning. “The first division looks very tough; the third division may not be as tough as the other two. Anyone that makes the final will certainly be have to be at the top of the game, no matter which division.”

Fanning added that he recently made an equipment change that he believes will aid Artstanding’s chances. “We put a sliding bridle on for the prep race and we thought it was effective,” said Fanning. “Lachance said he thought it helped him. Mike has driven him very well every start.”

A son of Artsplace, Artstanding was a $35,000 yearling purchase by James Switlyk and Bob Gorney. His $125,000 payday in the Jersey Classic vaulted his career earnings past the $500,000 mark.

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