"Sometimes guys jump on a horse and have immediate chemistry and away they go. Lots of times, maybe 80 per cent of the time, the first drive ends up being a test drive or they don't suit the horse."
Making his Little Brown Jug debut on Thursday (Sept. 24) driver Trevor Henry might not have been the name that many would expect to see listed among those set to compete at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. But according to Dr. Ian Moore, the trainer of Jug hopeful Rockin In Heaven, the choice was easy.
"I decided to go with somebody I knew and the horse knows. I'll get criticized for it, maybe, but I don't care. Trevor's done very well. I like Trevor and we've had a lot of success together," Moore told The Guelph Mercury. "He's not intimidated by anybody, either, which is what I like."
Of Rockin In Heaven's eight wins this year, five have come with Henry aboard. And Moore is banking on Henry's long-time experience and expertise as a half-mile track driver to help his colt's chances.
"I don't know if anybody's going to beat Wiggle It Jiggleit, but it certainly gives us some hope in the first heat, anyway. We might make the final with (Rockin In Heaven)," continued Moore, who co-owns the three-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven colt along with Francois Lecomte of Quebec, and Doug Polley and Gord McComb of Nova Scotia. These owners are all experiencing the Little Brown Jug for the first time as well.
"Francois is bringing his father, Roland, and Doug Polley is bringing his father and Gord McComb has a great big RV on the grounds already and they're enjoying the heck out of it," said Moore on Wednesday.
With wins in the Somebeachsomewhere and Empire Breeders Classic,Rockin In Heaven has banked nearly $350,000 this season for his connections. He's drawn Post 2 in the first elim, set for approx. 4:23 p.m., and is listed as the third choice on the morning line at 4-1.
The Little Brown Jug’s $324,960 second heat will feature the first four finishers from each of the opening-heat eliminations. If an opening-heat winner does not go on to win the second heat, there will be $135,400 race-off between the three elimination winners.
The Jug will air on the CBS Sports Network from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. The CBS Sports Network channel listing for Canadian television providers is as follows: Rogers – 416 SD, 547 HD; Cogeco – 160 SD, 744 HD; Bell Expressvu – 413 SD, 1432 HD; Eastlink – Primarily 134, also found on 206, 168; Sasktel – 425; BellAliant TV – 479.
The Little Brown Jug opening-heat eliminations appear below.
$108,320 First Elimination - Post Time 4:23 p.m.
Post–Horse-Driver-Trainer-Morning Line Odds
1. Lost For Words - David Miller - Brian Brown - 2-1
2. Rockin In Heaven - Trevor Henry - Ian Moore - 4-1
3. Yankee Bounty - Yannick Gingras - Ron Burke - 6-1
4. Dudes The Man - Corey Callahan - Jessica Okusko - 5-2
5. Trading Up - Scott Zeron - Tony Alagna - 15-1
6. Cooperstown - Matt Kakaley - Ron Burke - 15-1
7. Split The House - Tim Tetrick - Chris Oakes - 10-1
$108,320 Second Elimination - Post Time 4:48 p.m.
Post–Horse-Driver-Trainer-Morning Line Odds
1. Artspeak - Scott Zeron - Tony Alagna - 5-2
2. Paparazzi Hanover - Matt Kakaley - Ron Burke - 20-1
3. Rise Up Now - Tim Tetrick - Brian Brown - 10-1
4. My Hero Ron - Yannick Gingras - Ron Burke - 4-1
5. Wiggle It Jiggleit - Montrell Teague - Clyde Francis - 4-5
6. Arque Hanover - Corey Callahan - Casie Coleman - 15-1
7. Revenge Shark - Brett Miller - Tony Alagna - 6-1
8. Blood Brother - David Miller - Jimmy Takter - 20-1