by Greg Gangle, WEG Communications

Toronto, ON — An impressive group of 77 sophomores, including rookie standouts He’s Watching, Arthur Blue Chip and Luck Be Withyou, have been nominated to the 31st edition of the Pepsi North America Cup.

One of harness racing’s most prestigious events, the C$1 million race is set for Saturday (June 14) at Mohawk Racetrack.

Headlining this year’s group of nominees is the Dan Patch Award winner and undefeated He’s Watching, who set two world records last season along with six track records for trainer and co-owner David Menary. The son of American Ideal boasts a 1:50 speed badge along with $291,722 in earnings.

Arthur Blue Chip, who banked $390,912 last season along with an O’Brien Award, was the richest rookie pacing colt of 2013. The son of first-crop sire Shadow Play amassed a 6-2-1 record from 11 starts last season.

Luck Be Withyou, the 2013 Breeders Crown champion, is also on the list and one of the early favorites for the race.

The Pepsi North America Cup eliminations are set for Saturday (June 7). Sustaining payments will be due on March 15, April 15 and May 15.

The complete list of this year’s Pepsi NA Cup eligibles are listed below:

Agadir Hanover
Always B Miki
Ari Allstar
Arthur Blue Chip
Avalanche Hanover
Beat The Drum
Best Of The Bunch
Bondi Hanover
Boom Boom Ballykeel
Brodys Scrapper
Bugger Bruiser
Bushwacker
Cabana Boy Hanover
Capital Account
Carracci Hanover
Crafty Master
Dancin Hill
Devil’s Arcade
Doo Wop Hanover
Earthshaker
Ewald Hanover
For A Bettor Time
Fort Knox
Gold Rocks
Here Comes William
He’s Watching
Ideal Cowboy
Ideal Magic
Ideal Shadow
Idealbeach Hanover
Im Drinkin Doubles
Jackattack
Jet Airway
Jk Endofanera
Jiggle It
Journeyman
Let’s Drink On It
Limelight Beach
Luck Be Withyou
Lucky King
Lyons Somewhere
Major Deagan
Major Trick
Marco De Vie
Mcwicked
Melmerby Beach
Moliere Hanover
Naked City
National Debt
Odds On Rhodonite
On Golden Ponder
Play It Again Sam
P L Hellcat
Parnu Hanover
Shadios
Silverhill Shadow
Smack Talk
Some Major Beach
Somestarsomewhere
Sometimes Said
Somewhere Fancy
Surprise Hanover
Sweet Beach
Sweet Talkin Clyde
Sword Of The Spirit
Tellitlikeitis
That’s My Opinion
Three Of Clubs
Unlocked
Waco Bruiser
Weather Hanover
Well Written
Western Vintage
Whiskey N Pie
Whistle Jimmy K
Wicked Business
Winds Of Change