MacDonald drives Odds On Mr Mamba to win in $1-million North America Cup

James MacDonald's hunch paid off big time Saturday night.

After guiding both Odds On Mr Mamba and Sweet Lovin Lou to wins in their respective elimination races last weekend, MacDonald had to decide which one he'd drive in the $1-million Pepsi North America Cup. He opted for Odds On Mr Mamba figuring the horse had a "big shot."

It proved to be the right choice as MacDonald finally won the prestigious race for three-year-old pacers in his eighth appearance Saturday at Woodbine Mohawk Park. His previous best finish was fourth in 2020.

"It's just a race that's so hard to win," said MacDonald, a resident of Guelph, Ont. "I'll probably never win another one in my life but I can finally say I got it done.

"I'm so proud of the horse, so happy for Melanie (trainer Melanie Wrenn) and the connections. It's just time to party."

Beau Jangles, the 3/5 favourite with driver Bob McClure, of Rockwood, Ont., took the lead just after the quarter-mile mark and remained there coming around the final turn. MacDonald had Odds On Mr Mamba fourth with a quarter-mile remaining and the fastest two-year-old in harness racing history lived up to that billing down the stretch to earn the half-length win in 1:48.1.

North America Cup

Brandon Blvd, driven by Dexter Dunn from the 10 hole, was second ahead of Beau Jangles.

Beau Jangles entered last weekend's eliminations riding a 15-race win streak but has registered consecutive third-place finishes.

The win was the 10th in 11 career starts for Odds On Mr Mamba but MacDonald didn't feel any extra pressure entering Saturday's race.

"Not additional but I mean I would've been very disappointed (with a loss)," he said. "I watched my brother (Mark MacDonald) win this race with Sportswriter (in 2010) and I was