Mr Feelgood aims for NA Cup

Mr Feelgood could make his connections feel great if he continues to win races over the next two weeks. Coming off an upset of last season’s 2-year-old champ, Jereme’s Jet, in a division of the Burlington on June 3, the Jimmy Takter-trained pacer now has his sights on the $1.5 million North America Cup at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. Eliminations for the North America Cup are Saturday and the final is June 17.

"He was very impressive; I was very proud," Takter said about Mr Feelgood’s half-length win over Jereme’s Jet in 1:53.2 over a sloppy track. "He raced like a good horse. Last year, I thought he was a very nice horse, but he was a notch behind the top horses. He’s matured since last year. How far we can go, I have no idea. He’s a beautiful horse, very handy. I think he’s got a good chance to make the final and then we’ll go from there."

Last season, Mr Feelgood won the Metro Consolation and was third in divisions of the Bluegrass and International Stallion. This year, he has won two of three starts.

Jereme’s Jet, who won six of seven races last year and earned $1 million, was making his first start of the year in the Burlington. His victories last season included the Breeders Crown, the Metro and the Governor’s Cup.

"He came out of his race very tired, and he was still tired the next morning," trainer Tom Harmer said. "I thought his performance was very good, but not outstanding. I’m very disappointed in myself, not him. I thought I had him ready to go up there and win. A lot of people think that if it wasn’t muddy, he would have. The track was so tiring. I didn’t account for a muddy track. It was his first start, and you’re usually a little light. Between that and the weather, it was too much. He’s ready for the North America Cup. We’ve just got to wait until Saturday to restore faith and confidence and everything else that goes along with it."

Western Cyclone, who was second to Jereme’s Jet in the Breeders Crown, also was second in his first start of the year on June 3 at the Meadowlands. He was beaten by three lengths by four-year-old Eyes On Kassa in 1:50.4. Western Cyclone will be leaving New Jersey for Toronto and the North America Cup elims on Wednesday.

"He’s very good; it was a perfect first start," trainer Travis Alexander said. "He got to ride the rail and then sprint home. I feel very confident in the horse, just a very comfortable feeling. I don’t feel like I’m playing catch up. If I have him ready so he’s on his toes, he’ll do the rest. He can go with anyone right now."

(HRC release)

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