by Greg Gangle, WEG media

Toronto, ON — George Teague, Jr. would love nothing more than to celebrate another Pepsi North America Cup victory this summer (June 18) at Mohawk.

With four eligibles to this year’s rich C$1.5 million event, Teague is hoping for the same luck that had him posing for pictures in the winner’s circle in 2006 with Total Truth.

USTA photo

George Teague, Jr.

Teague, a resident of Harrington, Del., had a pair of top freshman pacers last year who will be vying for this year’s richest prize.

Feel Like A Fool is a key contender coming into this season. With $568,786 in earnings as a rookie, the son of Art Major finished second in the $960,000 Metro Pace before ending his campaign with a victory in the $203,950 Matron Stakes final. He also captured back-to-back stakes victories in Lexington, where he recorded his 1:49.4 lifetime best.

“He really filled out,” Teague said. “He’s not a small horse, but he isn’t a monster either. I was very pleased with his qualifying effort in 1:54 (at Harrah’s Chester on April 24).

Feel Like A Fool’s first major test will be the Simpson Stakes at Vernon Downs on May 15.

“If all goes well, he will head to the Empire Breeders Classic then to Canada for the North America Cup.”

Feel Like A Fool produced a record of 6-4-1 from 11 freshman starts for Teague and partners Kovach Stables and Theodore Gewertz.

His other high-profile Cup contender comes in the form of Wink N Atcha, who was the best Pennsylvania Sires Stakes 2-year-old pacer last season. After capturing seven of nine starts, he capped off his freshman campaign with $235,198 in earnings and captured the $200,000 PASS final.

Teague recently had to qualify the son of Dragon Again for the third time on April 24 at Harrah’s Chester.

“In his second qualifier he got spooked by something behind the gate and broke stride,” noted Teague. “He came right back the next week and went a mile in 1:53.4 and looked impressive doing it.

“His first test will be in a PASS then he will likely head to the Somebeachsomewhere Stakes in Canada.”

Wink N Atcha is owned by Teague along with Theodore Gewertz, Gustis Teague and Paisano Stable.

Custard The Dragon and Reckless Ric are the two remaining North America Cup eligibles for Teague.

“All four horses certainly have enough talent to race on the Grand Circuit this year. They all have enough speed and have the right attitude to make a good showing this summer. Hopefully we have a great summer.”