Hit It Once More finishes fast in work for Pennsylvania Derby

ELMONT, N.Y. – Hit It Once More, a winner of two stakes restricted to New York-breds this summer, worked a sharp five furlongs in 59.72 seconds Sunday over the Belmont Park main track in preparation for the Grade 2, $1 million Pennsylvania Derby at Parx on Sept. 24.

Under regular jockey Kendrick Carmouche, Hit It Once More got his final quarter in 24.57 seconds and then galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.31, according to Daily Racing Form clocker Mike Welsch.

“I thought he went pretty good,” trainer Gary Sciacca said. “I wanted him to finish. He came home the last eighth in 12 flat. Carmouche said he worked tremendous. He did everything as well as he did last time.”

Hit It Once More, owned by Hall of Fame football coach Bill Parcells, has won four of his last five starts, including the New York Derby at Finger Lakes and the Albany Stakes at Saratoga.

In the Pennsylvania Derby, he’ll meet Kentucky Derby one-two-three finishers Nyquist, Exaggerator, and Gun Runner.

“It’s a shot for a little New York-bred who’s training like a good horse and who’s getting better and better and better,” Sciacca said. “He’s acting better, his works are getting better, his races are getting better, and he’s showing it. You don’t know what can happen; why not take a shot now?”