by Greg Blanchard, media/communications, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Campbellville, ON — A total of 27 colts will make up three C$50,000 eliminations for this year’s 25th Anniversary edition of the North America Cup sponsored by Pepsi.

The top 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers on the continent will be in action, including the undefeated Somebeachsomewhere who has drawn post four in the second split at Mohawk. He is coming off an impressive 1:51.3 seasonal debut last weekend at Mohawk in the Burlington Stakes.

The Metro Pace champion from last season will take on another colt who is perfect in four starts this season named Frankyluvsmeatbals. The son of The Panderosa is trained and driven by California-based horseman Rick Plano and is coming off two consecutive wins at The Meadowlands.

The first elimination will feature this year’s Hempt Memorial champion Badlands Nitro from the George Teague, Jr. Stable. The colt is also undefeated this season with a three-for-three record and has drawn post one. Badlands Nitro will take on Burlington divisional winner Keystone Horatio and Burlington runner-up Santanna Blue Chip.

The third and final split promises to be a contentious affair and features last weekend’s other Burlington winner, Dali, taking on recent OSS Gold Final winner Lennon Blue Chip. Also in the field are Burlington runner-up Deuce Seelster along with Sand Shooter and Daley Deposit Only.

The top three finishers from each elimination, plus one fourth-place finisher (drawn by lot) will advance to the C$1.5 million final on Saturday, June 14. The winners of each split will also get to choose their post for the final.

For more information on this year’s Pepsi North America Cup, visit the official Web site at www.northamericacup.com.

Here is a look at all three elimination fields for Saturday night in post position order:

1st Elimination
1. Badlands Nitro
2. Santanna Blue Chip
3. Keystone Horatio
4. Hands To Yourself
5. Share The Delight
6. Scape Ghost
7. Up Front Hannahsboy
8. Trade Editor
9. Space Walk

2nd Elimination
1. Art Official
2. Lonestar Legend
3. Legacy N Diamonds
4. Somebeachsomewhere
5. Mucho Sleazy
6. Frankyluvsmeatbals
7. On The Brink
8. Idle Hour
9. Shadow Play

3rd Elimination
1. Stonebridge Magnum
2. Dali
3. Rudy Rednose
4. Sand Shooter
5. Four Starz Moxie
6. Warning Zone
7. Daley Deposit Only
8. Deuce Seelster
9. Lennon Blue Chip