Get ready for an exhilarating evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park as we gear up for the 2026 Pepsi North America Cup! This all-star card promises an action-packed night with a whopping $2.5 million in purses up for grabs. The main event, the $1 million Grade 1 Pepsi North America Cup, will be the highlight of the 13-race extravaganza. But that's not all; the undercard is equally stacked with prestigious stakes races, including the Grade 1 Fan Hanover Stakes for fillies, the Roses Are Red Stakes for pacing mares, and the Goodtimes Stakes for three-year-old trotting colts.
As the post positions were drawn, the anticipation for this racing extravaganza reached fever pitch. The field for the Pepsi North America Cup is a who's who of harness racing's brightest stars. Odds On Mr Mamba, the fastest two-year-old in history, will be looking to continue his winning streak, having already secured nine victories in ten starts. Sweet Lovin Lou, another formidable contender, will be driven by Scott Zeron, who has a powerful performance to back him up. And let's not forget Beau Jangles, the reigning Horse of the Year, who, despite suffering his first loss in the eliminations, will be aiming to rebound and reclaim his crown.
The draw for the Cup final saw some intriguing post positions. Odds On Mr Mamba landed the advantageous post three, while Sweet Lovin Lou drew post four. Beau Jangles, the superstar, drew post five, a lucky number for his trainer, Dr. Ian Moore. The draw also saw Ron Burke, a three-time North America Cup winner, train three contenders: Melillo, Lindy Dragonwater, and Al Papi. With such a competitive field, the race is shaping up to be a thrilling battle of speed and strategy.
Beyond the main event, the undercard races are equally captivating. The Grade 1 Fan Hanover Stakes features a deep field led by world champion Loua Dipa, who will be looking to defend her title. Be Perfect BG, with a perfect career record, is expected to be the second-choice, but her driver, Dexter Dunn, is confident she can maintain her winning streak. The Roses Are Red Stakes for pacing mares showcases a battle between Chris Ryder's award-winning mares, Miki And Minnie and Twin B Joe Fresh, who will be seeking her third straight win in the event.
The Armbro Flight Stakes, a mare trot race, will see an overflow field of 11 clash, including Dan Patch Award winner Warrawee Michelle, making her season debut. The Goodtimes Stakes for three-year-old trotters could see another stakes win for Magic Punk, who cruised to victory in his elimination. And finally, the Mohawk Gold Cup Invitational, an open pace race, will feature last season's O'Brien and Dan Patch Award winner, Ervin Hanover, who will be piloted by Dexter Dunn.
As the doors open at 5 p.m., the atmosphere will be electric, with racing enthusiasts and bettors alike eager to witness this historic racing card. With so much on the line and such a talented field, the 2026 Pepsi North America Cup is set to be an unforgettable night of harness racing. Personally, I can't wait to see these incredible athletes in action and witness the drama and excitement that only this sport can deliver. It's going to be a night to remember!
