Thirteen-year-old Tattlers Jet, who scored a 1:49.2 winning mile at Colonial Downs last fall, won for the 110th time in his 417th career start Wednesday afternoon as the 'work horse' continues to roll back the clock in his twilight years
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The Tattlers Torpedo gelding had not won in his five previous outings this fall at the New Kent track, but a drop in class helped turn those fortunes around on Wednesday. Tattlers Jet was fourth coming out of the turn in a $2,875 conditioned pace after front stepping Boccio swept through initial quarter fractions of :26.1, :55.2 and 1:24.4. Trainer Gene Miller’s winning horse got to within a quarter length of Boccio at the top of the stretch, then paced on by and won by three over runner-up Captain Mo in 1:53. Reinsman Mark Gray piloted the horse to victory for owner David Carter.
“I’m blessed to have him in my barn,” said trainer Miller after the race. “I got him late in his five-year-old campaign, and he was lightly raced at that time. He only had $17,000 in earnings back then and took a mark of 2:04 at a track in Fargo, North Dakota.”
After Wednesday’s triumph, Tattlers Jet now has 248 'in the money finishes,' and purse earnings of over $303,000. In this year alone, the consistent pacer has 11 wins from 46 starts, with purse winnings of $35,000.
“He’s as good right now as he’s ever been,” added Miller. “After last fall’s meet, he came up a little sore and I gave him the rest of the year off. He only started 33 times in 2010, but this year he’s been in great shape.”
Asked if he’d compete as a 14-year-old, Miller replied, “As long as he likes it. I’d even race him at 15 if I could at some amateur races.”
Colonial Downs continues its closing week festivities with a 10-race card Thursday at 1 p.m. Dan Noble, the leading driver for wins in the U.S. this year, will be at the New Kent track Thursday to compete in at least six races.
(Colonial Downs)