Shoeless trotter to continue rise through grades

HARNESS racing's answer to 'Shoeless' Joe Jackson is a short-priced favourite to continue his rise through the grades when he returns to Club Menangle on tonight.

Among the all-time great baseball players, Jackson was a household name during the 1910s, with some of his records remaining unbroken.

Jackson earned the nickname Shoeless after removing his new cleats in the middle of a game due to foot soreness and playing the remainder of the contest in his socks.

Enter Pesco Pollo - a rising star trotter which has thrived since racing without shoes.

Showing potential early in his career, Pesco Pollo failed to live up to expectations for reasons unknown to champion trainer David Aiken.

Eventually placed in a paddock and forgotten about for almost two years, Pesco Pollo was given one last chance simply because of the drought!

"He kept having gait issues and I tried so many different things but wasn't getting anywhere," Aiken said. "In his last couple of runs he was going to be the winner, but would get into the straight, start trotting badly behind and would have to be nursed home and as such he'd get beaten.

"So I put him in a paddock and that's where he stayed until Josh (Aiken) said I should take him up to New South Wales with me as Victoria is in the middle of a drought and I'd be better feeding him up here.

"I decided to give him his last try, and even a few months ago I was still having issues with him. So I had work done on him and he still wasn't 100 per cent.

"Then I decided to take his shoes off for a trial and he hasn't looked back!

"There was obviously something minor in his feet upsetting his gait, but it was enough to stop him from being comfortable."

There is no doubt Pesco Pollo has found his rhythm, with eight wins and a second from nine starts!

Sent for a well-earned spell following his victory at Club Menangle on December 6, the son of Love You "did extremely well" during his time off according to Aiken.

Given two trials in recent weeks, Pesco Pollo is a $2.25 TAB Fixed Odds favourite to begin his campaign the same way he finished the previous one.

To be driven by Robbie Morris, Pesco Pollo will begin from the 10-metre mark in the 2300-metre handicap.

Aiken also has Hes A Hammer in the field, with the gelding drawn the pole.

"He did extremely well during his break and has come back feeling a treat," Aiken said. "He won a stand at his last start before his spell and I gave him a standing start trial this week and he went well against the pacers.

"Don't get me wrong, it won't be easy, but I'm confident enough he can keep his winning run going."