Sears to drive Western Ace

When vying for the biggest purse in harness racing it’s not a bad thing to have the two drivers leading the money-winning standings in the sulky behind your horses, and that’s what trainer George Teague has done as he has named Ron Pierce to drive Total Truth and Brian Sears to direct Western Ace in Saturday’s $1.5 million North America Cup final at Woodbine.

Pierce, who leads the 2006 money list with $4.48 million in purse earnings, was originally named to drive both 3-year-old colt pacers, but he opted to remain in the bike behind Total Truth, who drew post five. Teague said he then asked Sears, second on the list with $4.32 million in earnings, to drive Western Ace, and he agreed immediately.

“That’s not a bad twosome of drivers, is it?” Teague said with a laugh shortly after the post position draw to harnessracing.com. “There was no hesitation by Brian and I’m sure he was glad to pick up a mount in the North America Cup. Picking up a mount on either one of the two isn’t a bad thing—period. I know if I was a catch-driver there wouldn’t be any hesitation if I was put down in a million-and-a-half-dollar race.”

Both colts finished second in their respective Cup eliminations last week, but Teague said having Total Truth draw two posts inside his stablemate Western Ace (post position seven) prompted Pierce’s decision.

“It was mostly because of the draw,” said Teague. “I definitely like the spot for both of them, but we definitely like the five hole and Ronnie was definitely content with that.”

As for his colt’s chances in the rich final, Teague added, “Last week both of them fired away to the wire strong as anything all night long. They both kind of got trapped in, and when they shook loose they shook loose good. I think they both have a legitimate chance.”

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