Frank Baker, Jr., trainer and part-owner of elimination runner-up OK Boromir, had his fingers crossed when it came down to assigning the final two post
positions for the Pepsi North America Cup at the draw held this afternoon at Mohawk Racetrack.
With his name left until the end, Ok Boromir was to be destined for either an inside post start in the $1.5 million final or the dreaded 10-hole.
To Baker’s relief, drawmaster Brian Burke, Toronto Maple Leafs president and general manager, revealed OK Boromir’s fate. Millionaire Cam drew Post 10 leaving OK Boromir to start from Post 1 on Saturday, June 27.
“We were quite happy with the post position draw," Baker told Trot Insider. "It’s a lot better than what the 10-hole would have been."
“I wouldn't have picked it, but given where the elim winners are, I like where I am,” said driver Luc Ouellette.
After winning his Burlington Stakes division the week before on the front end, OK Boromir found himself sitting sixth at the top of the stretch, three and a half lengths off the lead in his NA Cup elimination this past Saturday. The sophomore son of No Pan Intended powered home in :26.3 to finish one length behind the fan favourite, Dial Or Nodial and driver Brian Sears.
“He showed us that he can come from off some cover so that was actually what we needed to see instead of him being a one-sided horse," said Baker, who shares ownership with Wray and Janet Wilson of Thorndale, Ont.
“He came out of the race good. He’s pretty easy on himself. Hopefully everything carries on. Health-wise he seemed good and he was feeling good yesterday and this morning so hopefully it carries on. It's hard on him racing week in and week out going those kind of miles.”
Baker says his pupil, who is assessed at odds of 15-1 in the morning line, will enjoy his share of paddock time this week in preparation for the big day.
“We’ll just make sure his blood is good and make sure he’s hydrated and he’s healthy – that’s the biggest thing we have on our book.
“I think it will be an exciting race with a tight finish and I hope I'm there with them.”
For a complete recap of the post position draw for the $1.5 million North America Cup, click here.
To view replays of the Cup elims, click here.
To view the charted lines from the elims, click here.