Pocono: Wiggle It Jiggleit's win highlights big stakes card

Montrell Teague knew what to expect coming in. The driver had been somewhat ridiculed following the loss of Wiggle It Jiggleit in the Cane Pace and he showed incredible poise in capturing the $500,000 Battle of the Brandywine on Saturday night at Pocono Downs.

Teague didn't get flustered when the outer tier of the nine-horse field flashed early speed. Instead he was content to get away fourth and wait.

When power was needed Montrell hit the accelerator and a :26 2/5 third quarter was enough to remove Artspeak from the lead. The 1:48 mile was even more impressive given the :54 4/5 opening half mile.

Teague is young but clearly he's a fast learner and unlike the Cane he remained calm and collected when things got tough.

“He’s the best 3-year-old out there”, said winning owner George Teague.

“He has a little bit of a muscle on his back that irritates him a little. So you really can’t do much with him. He hasn’t trained in about a month. He’s raced but not trained.

“He’s not as sound (as he was earlier in the year). I’m lucky it is not a joint. It is not really serious, it is just a muscle,” Teague added..

Trainer Jimmy Takter said that Pinkman got anxious behind the gate and that's why he made a break in the Colonial. Takter's post-race comment: "Turn the page."

Crazy Wow was the beneficiary of the miscue carving out a perfect trip. Uncle Lasse cut all the pace but couldn't hold.

Trainer Joe Holloway had the choice to bring both Divine Caroline and Bettor Be Steppin to Pocono. "If I could have put one in the consolation I would have done it," said Holloway. Now after Bettor Be Steppin scored in the $350,000 Valley Forge Holloway looks for a sweep on Sunday in the Empire Breeders at Tioga.

Corey Callahan sensed there wouldn't be competition in the second quarter and stole the race.

E L Titan was the brightest future star of the night with his off-the-pace score in the Sebastian K invitational. The addition of Tim Tetrick in the bike clearly made a difference with the Muscle Hill-sired stallion winning in 1:51 2/5 from off the pace. It was just the third start of the year and trainer Riina Rekila had him ready. He will return to Canada.

John Campbell was victorious in his return with Muscle Diamond, but J L Cruze came up short.

"He wasn't himself tonight," said Campbell.

The second half of the stakes season is underway with some key new faces likely to have a major impact.

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