After a relatively slow start to his career, and a few 'hard luck' stretches, Geez Joe is starting to find his stride.
The five-year-old pacer has established himself as a major force in the Preferred ranks at the Meadowlands Racetrack. He notched yet another victory in his last race, which took place on January 19 at the ‘Big M,’ courtesy of a determined, first-over grind.
"He's taking a short break right now," said Geez Joe’s regular driver, Marcus Miller. "We're hoping he can take a swing at some of the open stakes this year."
The gelded son of Roll With Joe-Beach Bretta made his career debut on July 8, 2016 in a New York Excelsior race at Saratoga Casino Hotel and finished a disappointing eighth versus the then-budding John Butenschoen superstar Funknwaffles, who went on to win as the heavy favourite. Geez Joe ended his freshman campaign on a better note, though, as he hit the board in two of his last three races.
After having been armed with a new trainer and a bit more maturity, Geez Joe went on to break his maiden in his very first start as a sophomore, as he prevailed in an overnight race at Harrah's Philadelphia in 1:55. After a few more confidence-building wins against overnight company, Geez Joe enjoyed his first stakes win of his career – a New York Excelsior triumph – on June 18 at Vernon in 1:51.2.
Geez Joe, pictured victorious at the Meadowlands Racetrack
Geez Joe then went on to win the subsequent Excelsior final on October 18 at Vernon – he overcame a troubled start and Post 8 to walk away with the lion's share of the $45,000 purse. He followed that performance up with a grinding third-place finish against top sophomore pacer Filibuster Hanover in the Pegasus at Hoosier Park. Geez Joe completed his three-year-old season by proving that he belonged with the top pacers in his age group; he did so via his third-place effort in his Hap Hanson Progress Pace elimination (he ultimately finished fifth in the final while competing against Downbytheseaside and Fear The Dragon).
After it was all said and done, Geez Joe completed his sophomore campaign with eight wins from 23 starts and banked roughly $145,000 in purse earnings. His four-year-old campaign saw him lower his mark to 1:48.1 and amass another eight wins.
Miller describes Geez Joe as big and strong. "He's funny,” said Miller, “when you first step on the track, you'd think he's going to be grabby, but he's really laid back."
Miller feels that the industry has yet to see the best of Geez Joe.
"He gave us hints all along," Miller explained. "Some big miles at age three – at four, a couple of wins from impossible spots at Batavia and Pocono. Then obviously, he caught everyone's eye in December at the Meadowlands."
Geez Joe was bred by Winbak Farms in Chesapeake City, MD. Winbak is currently second this season in the standings in both winners (117) and earnings ($1,506,227).
(With files from Post Time with Mike and Mike)