The top five finishers from the C$1 million North America Cup contested three weeks ago (June 15) at Woodbine Mohawk Park were all present in the entry box on Tuesday morning (July 2) when a total of 17 sophomores entered for the Meadowlands Pace. On Saturday, two $50,000 elimination races will be held to determine the 10 finalists for the $700,000 estimated final on July 13. Trainer Anthony Beaton will be bringing North America Cup champion Nijinsky in along with fifth-place finisher Legendary Hanover, with the two drawing separately on Saturday. "I thought they both raced well in the North America Cup, but it was the trip that made the difference," said Beaton, with the understanding that Legendary Hanover got the worst of trips but still hung on well to finish fifth behind his stablemate. On Saturday Legendary Hanover drew post three in the first elimination (race seven), and Beaton is confident in his colt and hopeful a victory in the trial would give the sophomore some post relief in the final he did not get in the North America Cup. "I had to decide what to do with both following the North America Cup," said Beaton. "I sat down with Casie (co-owner Coleman) and we mapped out a plan. With qualifiers here on Tuesday, we decided to train them instead and skip the qualifiers." Beaton said that the pair of Legendary Hanover and Nijinsky trained together a mile in 1:55. "They went a solid last half and a big last quarter." So, despite three weeks on the sidelines Beaton is happy with the way Legendary Hanover is coming into Saturday's contest. Driver James MacDonald has done an outstanding job sitting behind Legendary Hanover since the Huntsville-sired colt showed up on the scene in Ontario last year. He'll be in the bike on Saturday against a solid group that includes last year's Metro champion and North America Cup runner-up Captain's Quarters (post four). Jody Jamieson did everything right behind Captain's Quarters in the North America Cup but got out-sprinted in the stretch. Two horses that failed to advance to the North America Cup final hope for better racing luck on Saturday in the first elimination. Mirage Hanover had no luck in either Cup trial or consolation, going first-over in the trial and losing by just enough to have to draw for the final spot; a draw he did not win. In the consolation Mirage Hanover got stuck in traffic and had plenty of pace but no room while finishing third. He then bounced back in a major way in last week's final prep for the Meadowlands Pace with a career-best 1:49 1/5 victory, pacing a final quarter in 24 3/5, albeit wind-aided. Tim Tetrick guides Mirage Hanover from the pole position. Gem Quality, last year's Breeders Crown champion, was a disappointment on the front-end in his North America Cup trial. Trainer Chris Ryder elected to put his colt on the Lasix program, and he debuted with a solid third-place finish behind Mirage Hanover in the June 29 contest over the Meadowlands surface. Gem Quality drew post two in this elimination that also includes, in post order, Number Cruncher (post five), Ivy Park (post six), Better Is Nice (post seven), Miki Ray (post eight) and North America Cup consolation winner Remember The Alamo (post nine). ► Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter North America Cup winner Nijinsky landed post five among eight sophomores in the second $50,000 elimination (race eight) and brings top pilot Louis-Philippe Roy with him to battle in New Jersey for the first time. The son of Bettor's Delight is a perfect five-for-five this year after winning just once in 10 attempts as a freshman. "He's just been great all year long," said Beaton of Nijinsky. "In the Cup he got the trip and got the job done. There are a number of horses in this division that are very close, and the trip matters in these big races." Beaton was perhaps a touch modest since Nijinsky has won in a variety of ways this year while facing the best horses in North America each time. Versatility matters when money is on the line, and driver Roy has many options with Nijinsky. Trainer Noel Daley had high hopes going into the North America Cup that his defending Dan Patch winner Captain Albano would capture the prestigious event but had to settle for a fourth-place finish behind Nijinsky. A bit of revenge could be in the works this week or perhaps in the final. Captain Albano drew post four in his first race since the North America Cup. "The trip just didn't work out like we planned," said Daley of the North America Cup. "Todd (McCarthy) left with him and he got away much faster than we expected. The last place I wanted him to be was in the pocket behind Captain's Quarters." That trip worked out horribly as Captain Albano tried to go to the inside in the stretch in the North America Cup and was shut off by Captain's Quarters. Once he moved for room to the outside the race was pretty much over. "Well, we definitely learned something," said Daley, referring to the gate speed Captain Albano exhibited. "I can tell you one thing, he won't be letting Captain's Quarters go by like that the next time." As for this Saturday, Daley has Captain Albano near top form but suggested he would try to have him even better for the final. "I really didn't have much choice either racing or qualifying him before this race," said Daley. "He's pretty much got four straight weeks with this race and then the Adios elimination and final." Though there is one less horse in this elimination than the first, it may be deeper in overall talent with Funtime Bayama (post six) making his debut for new owners and new trainer Andrew Harris in his Meadowlands debut. The North America Cup third-place finisher, a son of He's Watching, has been on the board in all 13 of his career starts while racing in Ontario. His Meadowlands debut puts Dexter Dunn behind him for the very first time. Another newcomer to this group is the late-developing McCrunch for trainer Nancy Takter. A son of Captain Crunch, McCrunch (post two) has shown blistering speed in winning five times this year, including a 1:49 effort on May 31. Yannick Gingras will handle the lines. Captain Luke (post eight) was never in the hunt in the North America Cup, finishing sixth. He'll have to overcome the outside draw for trainer Tony Alagna, who entered three horses in the eliminations and drew posts seven, eight and nine. Nuclear (post one), Its Saturday Night (post three) and Huntingforchrome (post seven) round out the eight horse field. Saturday is Fan Appreciation Night at the Meadowlands. The Cafe, Rooftop Terrace and Backyard will offer hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn and soda (limit five of each item per transaction) for $1. Available for $2 will be Bud and Bud Light drafts. There will also be fireworks at 11 P.M.