by Greg Gangle, WEG Communications

Toronto, ON — He’s Watching, a top contender for this year’s C$1 million North America Cup on June 14 at Mohawk, made his seasonal debut Friday morning (May 2) at Mohawk Racetrack in a qualifying session.

With regular pilot Jim Morrill Jr. in the bike, He’s Watching was a wrapped-up winner in 1:53.2.

Morrill and the speedy pacer laid parked on the outside at the opening quarter in :29.1, before reaching for command. He’s Watching then paced past the half in :57.2 and three-quarters in 1:26, before kicking home in :27.2 to seal the win.

“I was very happy with him this morning,” trainer and co-owner David Menary said following the qualifier. “That’s right about where we wanted to go. I’m going to give him a week off, qualify him once more, then make a decision to race in either the (Art) Rooney or Somebeachsomewhere as his first race.”

The son of American Ideal went undefeated last season in eight starts and set two world records and six track records along with $291,722 in earnings. Just a mere $3,000 yearling purchase, He’s Watching is also owned by Brad Gray, Michael Guerriero and Muscara Racing Trust. He recorded his 1:50 speed badge last season at Tioga Downs.

Two more Cup eligibles showcased their talents on Friday morning as Major Trick and Melmerby Beach qualified in race three. Major Trick finished second, timed in 1:54.3, while Melmerby Beach finished fourth, timed in 1:55.

Last year’s O’Brien Award winner Flanagan Memory returned Friday morning at the helm of driver Chris Christoforou. The 4-year-old son of Kadabra picked up right where he left off last season with an impressive winning effort in 1:57.3. The winner of $436,446 lifetime is owned by trainer Rene Dion and Liette Flanagan.

O’Brien Award winner Riveting Rosie made her second qualifying attempt Friday at the Campbellville oval. After making a miscue last week, driver Paul MacDonell had Riveting Rosie on her game as she stopped the timer in 1:59.1 for trainer John Bax. The winner of $452,618 last season is owned by Parkhill Stud Farm, Don Allensen, J And T Stable and John Hayes.

Casie Coleman sent Lucan Hanover postward for the first time this season as the winner of $510,044 last season was a wrapped-up winner in 1:53.2 for driver Jonathan Drury. The son of Western Ideal is owned by West Wins Stable and Christine Calhoun.