DOVER, Del. —- Wiggle It Jiggleit, winner of the $35,000 elimination last week, is the one to beat in the $300,000 Hap Hansen Progress Pace on Monday, Nov. 30 at Dover Downs. A $27,500 Delaware Special tops the harness racing undercard.
Montrell Teague drove the charismatic dark gelding Wiggle It Jiggleit to a wire-to-wire 1:49 victory last time, his 20th sub-1:50 triumph in a 21-win season. The George Teague Inc. owned, Clyde Francis trained, standout has been a favorite in all 25 starts this year. He turned in outstanding highlight efforts to win the Little Brown Jug in straight heats, the Meadowlands Pace and the recent Matron Stake, among a number of major stakes.
Sired in Indiana by one of Teague's former $1-million winners, Mr Wiggles from a mare also campaigned by Teague, Mossi Hanover, Wiggle It Jiggleit, while establishing several track and world records, leads all performers in the sport this year earning $2,031,995.
A week ago, another Delaware-owned sophomore, unheralded Remember Me VK, a top bred First-State stakes-winner owned by Sharon Wyatt, Robin West and Ron Benton trained by Bob Wyatt, finished second for driver Eric Goodell at 54-1 odds. Jeff Snyder's Dealt A Winner, piloted by David Miller, took a shot at Wiggle It Jiggleit on the backstretch to no avail, yet held on to finish third.
A third Delaware-owned top three-year-old, M&L Of Delaware and Victoria Dickinson's Dude's The Man with Dover Downs' perennial driving champion Corey Callahan along with razor sharp Badix Hanover, driven by John Campbell for owners Richard and Dale Julich, lead major contenders.
The rest of the field includes mid-western standout Roland N Rock, steered this time by Tim Tetrick, Bob Mondillo, Mike Day and Oompa's Farm's Rodeo Romeo with Andy Miller, and Rock&Roll Stable's Americanprimetime reined by Tony Morgan.
Heading a powerful under card is a $27,500 Delaware Special led by Harrington Raceway's Horse of the Year Janet Hudson's Just A Jolt (Tetrick), Mustang Art (Marcus Miller) owned by Max Walton and Greg Papaleo, and Captive Audience (Callahan) racing for trainer Doug Lewis and Carter Racing, are strong contenders in a seven horse field.
Four starters in a $20,000 Male Winners-Over pace are fresh from wins last time out. Reg Hazzard and Legacy Racing's Bad Boy Matt (Allan Davis) drew the rail, R.S.Ruffolo, Erv Miller and Nick Surick stable's Swing City (Marcus Miller). Howard Taylor and Tom Lazzaro's Secretsoftheknight (Callahan) and Rich Poillucci's Dapper Dude (Tetrick), both are seeking a third consecutive win.
Monday through Thursday racing begins at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are dark days.
A $5,000 Guaranteed Pick-4 Pool Is a daily feature.
At Dover Downs, there is no charge for parking and admission. Harness and thoroughbred simulcasts, daily from 12 Noon until 12 Midnight. Reservations are suggested for the Winner's Circle Restaurant and for those planning to stay at the 4-star Dover Downs Hotel. Call 302-674-4600.
Marv Bachrad