It could be the start of a rivalry in the aged pacing ranks, as reigning American horse of the year Wiggle It Jiggleit will once again square off against Rockin Ron. Their latest clash will come this Sunday (May 29) at Harrah's Philadelphia in the $200,000 Dorothy Mullin Invitational Pace.
Two weeks ago, it was Rockin Ron who was the star of the aged pacing ranks. In his first match-up with Wiggle It Jiggleit during Flamboro Downs’ Confederation Cup (which is restricted to four-year-olds), Rockin Ron brushed to the front, and was able to hold off Wiggle It Jiggleit. He set a Canadian record in the process, as he stopped the clock in 1:50.1.
However, Wiggle It Jiggleit, the reigning U.S. horse of the year, was able to bounce back in the Battle of Lake Erie at Northfield Park this past week, as he scorched ‘the home of the flying turns’ in 1:49.4.
"He seemed to come out of the race pretty fresh and looked real sound afterwards," said owner George Teague. "We did not change the shoeing after the (Confederation) Cup and going into the Battle of Lake Erie. His feet are getting better; we just have to keep drawing out the soreness in the soles of his foot."
Rockin Ron was in action in The Graduate at the Meadowlands Racetrack and finished second as the heavy favourite after a tough trip. The race was timed in 1:48.1. It was his first loss of the season.
Rockeyed Optimist, who has been amongst the hottest free-for-allers, heads into the Dorothy Mullin off of a strong second-place finish at Harrah's Philadelphia to Mach It So, who has also been invited to the Mullin. Rockeyed Optimist continues to be a model of consistency for the owning conglomerate of Anthony Perretti, Virginia Berkner, Joseph Battaglia and the A And B Stable. He has only been worse than third three times in the last two seasons. "’Rockeyed’ gives his all in every race and loves the work. He seems like he never has a bad day, loves to go race, and just enjoys his life," said trainer Steve Elliott.
George Morton Levy winner Bit Of A Legend N will also make an appearance. The Peter Tritton trainee is coming off of a strong showing at Yonkers Raceway. It was a last-to-first power sweep against Open company in 1:52.1 (:26.2 last quarter).
The field appears below in post-position order.
$200,000 Dorothy Mullin Invitational Pace
(Post – Horse)
1 – JK Endofanera
2 – Wiggle It Jiggleit
3 – Rockin Ron
4 – Rockeyed Optimist
5 – Mach It So
6 – Mel Mara
7 – Luck Be Withyou
8 – Bit Of A Legend N
The Dorothy Mullin Invitational for colt and gelding pacers is named after the longtime employee at Liberty Bell's Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission office. Working there for its entire 1963-1985 existence, Mullin was a stalwart during many changes at the northeast Philadelphia track, which was one of the nation’s outstanding raceways during the 1960s and 1970s. She served as an executive assistant and secretary and made many friends through the years. She was also one of the last devotees to using the art of shorthand in her work.
The power-packed Sunday program at Harrah's Philadelphia also includes the Betsy Ross (filly and mare pace) and the Maxie Lee (trotters). The day also includes a ‘winner's over’ for trotters and mare pacers, as well as an Open affair for aged pacers.
There is a six-hour detention for the three big races (Maxie Lee, Betsy Ross, and the Dorothy Mullin). The Riverview Terrace will be open for lunch from noon - 4:00 p.m. There will also be a $10,000 guaranteed Pick 4 pool, which will encompass Races 9 - 12 and include the invitational races.
(Harrah’s Philadelphia)