Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Total Truth Wins North American Cup

June 17, 2006

Total Truth used come from behind strategy to win the $1.5 million North America Cup Saturday night at Woodbine Raceway in Canada in 1:49.1. Total Truth, a three-year-old son of Jennas Beach Boy-Babe Ruthless, was a $18,000 yearling purchase at Harrisburg. The $750,000 payday gives Total Truth a lifetime bankroll of $915,325.

The early breaks of Doonbeg and Impeccable allowed Paul MacDonell to fly to the lead with Jeremes Jet, who hit the opening quarter in :26.1. Western Ace and driver Brian Sears were forced to grind it out on the outside through the opening half in :54.2. Looming behind that duo were favoured Feelin Friskie (John Campbell) and Total Truth (Ron Pierce), with Fox Valley Tribal and Mark MacDonald in the pocket. As the field passed three-quarters in 1:21.2, Jeremes Jet was still in command having put away Western Ace but they didn't have enough to hold off the calvary coming behind him. Pierce tipped off Feelin Friskie's cover and closed with a furious late kick to defeat Feelin Friskie and Fox Valley Tribal by one length in a lifetime best 1:49.1.

This marks the first Pepsi North America Cup for driver Ron Pierce, trainer Brenda Teague and owners Only Money Inc. and Teague Inc. of Delaware.

"I was feeling sorry for Western Ace early in the mile, it wasn't working for him, but it was working out nicely for Total Truth," said co-owner George Teague. "I thought last year that Total Truth would have a good season. He had soreness problems as a two year old but he came back great this year. I give a lot of credit to Brenda (Teague) and the guys that stand behind me. The people in the stable do a great job. We'll go to the Meadowlands Pace next."

John Campbell, when asked about Feelin Friskie, said "I was second over. I followed Western Ace, who was live cover. I had to tip him out before we came out of the last turn, which hurt me a little bit." "He gave me a good run through the stretch, but Total Truth had a better one."

Mark MacDonald had the following to say on Fox Valley Tribal: "He was really good. At the head of the lane I thought I had a shot. Other horses had some steam built up behind me."

$1.5 Million North America Cup Woodbine Raceway Results Saturday, June 17, 2006
PP Horse                Driver
5 Total Truth            R. Pierce
2 Feelin Friskie         J. Campbell
8 Fox Valley Tribal   Ma. McDnld
1 Dave Panlone       D. Palone
7 Western Ace         B. Sears
10 Jeremes Jet        P. MacDonell
6 Bono Bests           D. Miller
9 Impeccable           Ra. Waples
4 Perfect Union        G. Brennan
3 Doonbeg               J. Jamieson
26.1     54.2    1:21.2    1:49.1