Roll With Joe wins Messenger Stakes
November 12, 2011YONKERS, N.Y. (AP) - Roll With Joe, harness racing's richest horse this season, ended his career Saturday night with an easy victory in Yonkers Raceway's $401,000 Messenger Stakes.
Driven by Ron Pierce, the 3-year-old colt widened out by eight lengths in a mile time in 1:52 4-5. The 56th edition of the Messenger is the third leg of the Pacing Triple Crown.
Roll Joe With sat second for the first half-mile before making his move to the lead and handily defeating his five rivals. Sea Venture, driven by Jason Bartlett, was second, while Sir Ziggy's Z Tam finished third.
``He's as good and as professional as any horse I've driven,'' said Pierce, who won the race for a third time.
Roll With Joe, the 1-20 wagering favorite, returned $2.10 while increasing his 2011 earnings to $1,649,725.
Roll With Joe, trained by Ed Hart, had six wins, four seconds and two third-place finishes in 14 races this season.
Also Saturday, Rocklamation, driven by Brian Sears, won the $194,890 Lady Maud Pace for 3-year-old fillies.