Two competitors for the title were announced on Saturday, May 18, at Woodbine Mohawk Park, indicating that the road to the 2024 North America Cup is getting closer.
With 9-2 odds, legendary Hanover is ranked second in the 2024 North America Cup Spring Book Odds. On Saturday, in a $23,000 conditioned pace, the three-year-old colt set a lifetime best mile under the direction of James MacDonald, who was riding for Anthony Beaton.
Clever Cody (Bob McClure) is ranked third on the N.A. Cup Spring Book Odds list with 5-1 odds, started from post eight and quickly claimed the lead in the quarter, finishing in :26. Before the first panel, Stormalong (Doug McNair) came in second, Legendary Hanover in third. Legendary Hanover took over the field at that point, giving up a half in :53.4 and a three-quarter in 1:22. He won easily, flying home in 1:48.3 to win by 4-1/4 lengths. The final two places were occupied by Trevor Henry's Southwind Sambucca and Tyler Borth's Reign Supreme. Shrewd Cody faded in the face of damaged equipment.
"He's just a lot of fun to sit behind. He's just a big powerhouse and I'm just happy to be along for the ride," driver James MacDonald stated. "He was able to get it done, didn't have to push him too hard, but he's just so gifted on his own."
Legendary Hanover (Huntsville - Lillian Hanover), owned by Eric Good, West Wins Stable, and Mark Dumain, improved his career record to 8-2-0 and his bankroll to $428,100 from 11 lifetime starts. This year, he has gone perfect two-for-two and set a new lifetime record in the mile. He came in as the strong favourite and paid $2.20 to win.
Captains Quarters is rated fourth on the route to the N.A. Cup with Spring Book odds of 8-1, yet, the Herb Holland student was ranked first in Saturday's $21,000 conditioned pace in the eighth race. Jody Jamieson, a regular pilot, occupied the seat. Heavily backed, the pair won with a $2.30 return.
Captains Quarters advanced to the quarter at :27.3, but following that panel, they surged to the top. Captains Quarters won by 3-3/4 lengths in 1:50.1, hitting the half in :55.4 and the three-quarters in 1:23.1 without looking back. Call Me It (Henry) and Kaptain Karlos (MacDonald) came in second and third, respectively.
"This is a real horse and I think everybody knew that last year after the Metro," driver Jody Jamieson noted. "These real horses are hard to stay on as a driver, even a trainer for that matter sometimes. I just pinch myself every day I'm Captains Quarters' regular driver. I just love every second of it."
Captains Quarters (Captaintreacherous - Prescient Beauty) continued where he left off following the Metro Pace victory in 2023 in his debut appearance of 2024. In six races, he improved his career record to 3-1-2 and brought his lifetime earnings for owner Rich Stiles to $536,404.