The wait is over for fans of Maritime sensation Sock It Away, as the popular pacer is officially entered for his four-year-old debut and his first pari-mutuel start away from Atlantic Canada.
As reported here last month, Sock It Away was sent to New Jersey by owner Reg MacPherson and will be campaigned stateside by trainer Andrew Harris. Harris told Trot Insider at this past Saturday's O'Brien Awards that the plan was to enter Sock It Away for this coming weekend at Yonkers Raceway, and the horse has drawn in.
With Jason Bartlett slated to drive, Sock It Away has drawn post two in Saturday's first race at Yonkers Raceway (approx. post of 6:50 p.m.). He enters Saturday's race off a qualifying mile in 1:57.3 for Harris and Bartlett on Friday, February 1. Harris indicated that he wasn't happy with a choice he made with respect to Sock It Away's equipment in that mile and expects a better effort this week.
"I let his hopples out in the qualifier and that wasn't a good idea," admitted Harris. "They're tightened back up...I think he has a big engine and should make some noise Saturday."
Sock It Away (Pang Shui - Someone Like You) was a neck away from a perfect 21-for-21 sophomore season for owner MacPherson and trainer Kevin MacLean. With 20 seasonal wins, Sock It Away topped all three-year-olds in North America for wins in 2018, regardless of gait or gender.
Here's a look at the field for Sock It Away's U.S. debut with TrackIT-linked horses, listed driver and trainer, and morning line odds.
1. Roland N Rock (Jim Marohn Jr / Rob Harmon) - 5-2
2. Sock It Away (Jason Bartlett / Andrew Harris) - 2-1
3. Shane Adam (Jordan Stratton / Richie Banca) - 5-1
4. Awesomeness (Dan Dube / Mark Ford) - 7-2
5. Chip Walther (Joe Bongiorno / Anthony Cuccio) - 7-1
6. Some Gold (Matt Kakaley / 'Irish' Joe Hanney) - 20-1
7. Cheyenne Seeber (Brent Holland / Jeff Smith) - 20-1
8. Sporty Spook A (George Brennan / Brittany Robertson) - 15-1
Sock It Away went off as the
Sock It Away went off as the favorite and lost by a neck in 1:55.1. For his efforts he earned $4,375USD.
Best of Luck to the
Best of Luck to the connections of Sock It Away. This tremendously talented horse will make all fans of Maritime Harness Racing proud!
I can understand why Sock It
I can understand why Sock It Away's connections opted to ship him to New York. The race is a lower-level conditioned pace, but the $17,500USD purse is probably a higher purse than he would ever race for in PEI other than The Gold Cup and Saucer, should he qualify for the final.
Best of luck to Reg and Sock
Best of luck to Reg and Sock It Away. It is tough company in Yonkers but this horse is special. Maritime breeding is under appreciated. This guy could change your mind