By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media
Relations
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. –
Rollwithpapajoe rebounded in a big way from a sub-par seasonal debut a week ago
to win a division of the Wiggle It Jiggleit Series for 3-year-old colts and
geldings on the pace at the Meadowlands Friday night.
The Jenn Bongiorno trainee, a
tough-trip fifth-place finisher on April 5, came back with a strong mile as
Dave Miller moved the son of Roll With Joe-Crazy On You off the rail from fifth
at the three-eighths and made steady progress past the half and onto the far
turn, trailing leader – and 6-5 favorite – Actor Hanover by just a head at
three-quarters.
Through the stretch, Rollwithpapajoe
drew clear over a sloppy track as heavy rains fell. Rollwithpapajoe, who paid
$6.80 as the second choice in the wagering, hit the wire 1¾ lengths in front of
Prince Of Tides in 1:51.3. Sugartown was third.
“That’s the performance from Papajoe
that I was waiting for him to show everyone,” said Bongiorno. “This horse has
serious speed and ability. Last week, the problem was they walked to the half.
Tonight, he showed that he loves his job and wants to win.”
The first of three Wiggle It Jiggleit
divisions went to 6-1 chance Rockme Rollme ($14.00) for driver Marcus Miller
and trainer Nik Drennan. Miller dove to the inside in deep stretch to nip
even-money favorite Dealer’s Table at the wire by the smallest of noses in
1:50.4 as Dealer’s Table saw his four-race win streak come to an end. Stone
Hanover was third.
The third and final Wiggle It
Jiggleit division went to JK Captain Jack for driver Josert Fonseca and trainer
Nancy Johansson. The winner went first over for a little more than the final
half-mile to score by a half-length over Bring The Thunder. Goldberg, the 3-5
favorite, settled for third.
JK Captain Jack paid $13.20 as the
second choice in the wagering after completing the mile in 1:52.
The third and final leg of the Wiggle
It Jiggleit takes place April 19. The April 26 final will offer a purse of
$58,500.
