Wiggle It Jiggleit leads field in Dorothy Mullin Invitational at Harrah’s Philadelphia
May 24, 2016,by Mike Bozich, for Harrah’s Philadelphia
Chester, PA — It could be the start of a rivalry in the older pacing ranks, as reigning Horse of the Year Wiggle It Jiggleit will once again square off against Rockin Ron in the $200,000 Dorothy Mullin Invitational Pace at Harrah’s Philadelphia this Sunday (May 29).
Two weeks ago, it was Rockin Ron who was the star of the older pacing ranks. In his first match-up with Wiggle It Jiggleit at Flamboro’s Confederation Cup (restricted to 4-year-olds), Rockin Ron brushed to the front and was able to hold off Wiggle It Jiggleit. He set a track and Canadian record in the process, stopping the clock in 1:50.1.
The reigning Horse of the Year, however, was able to bounce back at the Battle of Lake Erie at Northfield Park this past week, scorching 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 Jr. “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 this past weekend, finishing second as the heavy favorite after a tough trip. The race went in 1:48.1 and was captured by Artistic Major. It was the first loss of the season for Rockin Ron.
Rockeyed Optimist, who has been one of the hottest free-for-allers, comes into the Dorothy Mullin off 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 a strong showing at Yonkers. It was a last-to-first power sweep against Open company in 1:52.1 (:26.2 last quarter).
The field (in post order) includes 1. JK Endofanera, 2. Wiggle It Jiggleit, 3. Rockin Ron, 4. Rockeyed Optimist, 5. Mach It So, 6. Mel Mara, 7. Luck Be Withyou, and 8. Bit Of A Legend N.
The Dorothy Mullin Invitational for male pacers is named after the long-time employee at Liberty Bell’s Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission office. Working there for its entire 1963-1985 lifetime, 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. Serving as an executive assistant and secretary, she made many friends through the years, and was 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 older 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 12-4 p.m. For reservations, call 484.490.2222 or 610.874.5200.
There will also be a $10,000 guaranteed Pick-4 pool, which will encompass races nine-12 and include the invitational races.
- Remembering Dorothy Mullin (Wednesday, May 25, 2016)
Returning Horse of the Year Wiggle It Jiggleit is one of the big names racing Sunday on a star-filled card at Harrah’s Philadelphia, but for longtime horseman Bill “Moon” Mullin and his family, the name attached to Wiggle It Jiggleit’s race is what will truly make the afternoon special. A little over a month ago Mullin was told by the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association and Harrah’s Philadelphia that Sunday’s $200,000 free-for-all pace would be called the Dorothy “Moon” Mullin Invitational Pace in honor of his late mother.
- Trio of million dollar mares lead Betsy Ross field (Wednesday, May 25, 2016)
The 2016 edition of The Betsy Ross at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Sunday (May 29) is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races on the star-studded 14-race program that includes The Maxie Lee Memorial Trot, The Dorothy Mullin Invitational Pace, an Open Pace, and two winner’s over events.
- Dittmar seeks Maxie Lee double with JL Cruze (Thursday, May 26, 2016)
When horse owner Bill Dittmar Jr. visited the winner’s circle with Anders Bluestone following the 2011 Maxie Lee Memorial Invitational, it seemed like the moment of a lifetime. On Sunday afternoon, he returns to the same event at Harrah’s Philadelphia with what seems like the horse of a lifetime. Dittmar is among the owners of JL Cruze, who last year won 16 of 21 races, set numerous world records, and received a Dan Patch Award as harness racing’s best older male trotter. JL Cruze is part of a star-packed 2016 edition of the $200,000 Maxie Lee Memorial Invitational for older trotters.
- Red-hot Katie Said is out for Betsy Ross glory (Friday, May 27, 2016)
Like most horses, Katie Said is referred to by another moniker than the one assigned to her by registration papers and while it initially may not appear to be complimentary, as it refers to the most iconic horror figure in pop culture for the last century, oddly enough it sums up how she has been performing early in her 2016 campaign: like a monster.
- Top trotters to compete in Maxie Lee Memorial (Friday, May 27, 2016)
The 12th race on a power-packed program at Harrah’s Philadelphia this Sunday (May 29) is named after long time horsemen Maxie Lee.