Lucky Jim, who ended this season ranked No. 2 behind undefeated trotter Muscle Hill in harness racing's Top 10 poll, returned to work last week for trainer
Julie Miller and her husband, driver Andy Miller.
The couple guided Lucky Jim to 17 wins in 18 races this year, and earnings in excess of $1 million. His victories included the Breeders Crown, Nat Ray and Titan Cup.
The four-year-old trotter was turned out for rest and relaxation at a central New Jersey farm for a little more than three months. His last race was his triumph in the Breeders Crown on August 22 at the Meadowlands Racetrack. He won at least one race every month from January through August.
"He deserved that little break," Julie Miller said. "He put on a little weight and he still has his super attitude. He's the same old Jim. He's ready to get back to work and he's shown it. When he stepped on the track that first day, he was like: I'm back."
Lucky Jim was winless in nine races as a three-year-old, but was gelded last winter before being delivered to the Millers' stable by owners David Prushnok, John Prushnok and Bill Gregg. He won his first 15 races this season before suffering his only blemish, a third-place finish in the Maple Leaf Trot. He rebounded to win the Nat Ray - equaling the all-age world record of 1:50.1 on a mile oval - and the Breeders Crown.
"He's been perfect," Miller said. "To have a star like him in your barn is one thing, and to see him every morning when you walk in puts a smile on your face. I find myself second guessing myself with him, but you've got to treat him like you'd treat any horse and do the best job you can. I'm trying to do everything correctly by him so that he'll do right by us."
Miller hopes to have Lucky Jim ready to qualify in March. His first starts are expected to be in the Su Mac Lad Series at the Meadowlands. If all goes well, the trotter could be sent to Sweden for the Elitlopp in May.
"I'm not pointing him toward anything except getting ready," Miller said. "If he turns out to be what we think he's going to be again, we'll certainly head over there (to Sweden). If not, we'll stay here.
"I don't want to put the cart before the horse. I'm not going to pressure him; he's been too nice a horse. He'll tell me what he wants to do, like he did (this) year."
This story courtesy of Harness Racing Communications, a division of the U.S. Trotting Association. For more information, visit www.ustrotting.com.