Wiggle It Jiggleit has traveled to Northfield Park’s Flying Turns on two occasions and has two track records to prove it. Winner of the 2015 Carl Milstein Memorial in 1:49.3, the fasted mile paced at Northfield Park by a three year-old gelding, Wiggle It Jiggleit is now also the fastest four year-old gelding on the half-mile oval by virtue of his easy victory in Saturday’s (May 21) $200,000 Battle of Lake Erie.
Wiggle It Jiggleit (Mr Wiggles-Mozzi Hanover-Jenna’s Beach Boy) is owned by the partnership of George Teague Jr. Inc. and Teague Racing Partnership. He is trained by Clyde Francis. Montrell Teague had the winning drive.
Entering the Battle off two runner-up finishes, many analysts were not eyeing Wiggle It Jiggleit, but rather (#5) Freaky Feet Pete as their selection. Freaky Feet Pete entered the event off a nine-race win streak.
“Almost every print I looked in has us picked for second, some even for third,” said owner George Teague. “I wondered if I was looking at the same program as them, but it even had me doubting our chances in here.”
As the gate pulled away from the stellar Battle field, Wiggle It Jiggle left no doubt who would reign supreme. He led his rivals from start to finish.
Wiggle It Jiggleit started from the rail and led his competition every step of the way through fractions of :28, :55.4, 1:23 and 1:49.4, besting his rivals by 4-1/4 lengths.
Pacing an initial quarter in a leisurely :28, and sprinting his final quarter in :26.4, there was no catching Wiggle It Jiggleit.
“My horse was unbelievably grabby and ready to roll,” explained Montrell Teague. “Although we went slow early, no one would have had a chance to get the lead anyway.”
Saturday’s win marks the 28th score for Wiggle It Jiggleit in 35 career races and increases his bankroll to $2,478,260.
