Teague brings 1-2 punch

George Teague Jr. could be worthy of the nickname "Big George" because of the success he’s found recently, which included training 2004 Horse of the Year Rainbow Blue. Of course, one of Teague’s owners already has dibs on that moniker, and it is unlikely Teague would be willing to fight former heavyweight champ George Foreman for it.

On Saturday night, though, Teague will be looking to use his own 1-2 punch to sweep the $500,000 Anthony Abbatiello New Jersey Classic and the $200,000 Thomas N. D’Altrui Miss New Jersey at the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey. Teague co-owns Miss New Jersey contender Future Destiny with Foreman, former New York Jets receiver Wayne Chrebet and Kevin and Ron Fry. He co-owns Classic hopeful Western Ace with Jan and Jerry Kovach.

"I’d like to think I’ve got a chance to sweep," Teague said. "That’s big. I think both are contenders in there and they raced pretty good in their preps. I was very pleased with both of them. I think we’ve got a good shot."

Western Ace won 11 of 14 races last year, including the Woodrow Wilson, the Matron, the Lou Babic and a division of the Bluegrass. On May 20, he was fourth in the prep race for the Classic, finishing 3¼ lengths behind Feelin Friskie, who won in 1:51.1. It was Western Ace’s first start of the season.

"He needed that start," Teague said. "I liked the way [Ron Pierce] drove him; I don’t think I could ask for him to be any better. It’s definitely a tough field. It ain’t no gimme."

Future Destiny has won five of eight starts this year and earned $119,672. She won the Tender Loving Care and Blossom finals and was first in the Miss New Jersey prep on May 19, holding off One Ace Too Many by a nose in 1:52.

"It was a race – just one step farther and it goes to the other side," Teague said. "You always hope to have a little more pop, but [1]:52 is [1]:52, whether it’s by a head or nose. Some might think Rainbow Blue spoiled me, but I’m realistic."

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