After nearly three years on the sidelines, champion Wiggle It Jiggleit made his second qualifying start on Wednesday morning (Aug. 28), posting a 1:54.1 mile in a third-place finish at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.
With Charlie Norris in the bike for trainer Clyde Francis, Wiggle It Jiggleit worked clear of Stormont Czar A beyond a :28.1 first quarter before rating a :57.3 half and picking up the pace to three-quarters in 1:25.2. Upon approach to the top of the stretch, Wiggle It Jiggleit worked to fend off the first-over Livinonthebeach, but Erv Miller trainee Geez Joe vaulted off cover to engulf Wiggle It Jiggleit by 2-1/4 lengths in deep stretch.
"I feel OK about him," said owner George Teague Jr. "We'll have to do some more work with him, get some more fitness in him. It'll be at least three or four weeks before he'll be ready to compete. We plan for a couple more qualifiers for him."
Last week, the seven-year-old son of Mr Wiggles displayed an explosive stretch kick to win a qualifier at Harrah's Philadelphia in 1:53.4. The 38-time winner has amassed over $4 million so far in his career.
(with quotes from PHHA/Pocono)
Interesting that WIJI
Interesting that WIJI qualified at Pocono this week. Last week he qualified at Harrah's Philly.