Trainer Nancy Takter, with favorite Karl, aims for second straight Hambletonian win

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This article was published 02/08/2024 (779 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Nancy Takter will try to become the first trainer to win consecutive Hambletonians since her father, Jimmy, when she sends out morning-line favorite Karl in trotting’s biggest race of the year at the Meadowlands on Saturday.

Takter become the third female trainer to win the Hambletonian when Tactical Approach got to the finish line first last year. She’s trying to become the third conditioner to win back-to-back Hambos. Jimmy Takter, who won this race four times, did it in 2014 and 2015. Per Eriksson accomplished it in 1991 and ’92.

“I think that would be pretty cool,” she said about matching the feat of her Hall of Fame father. “I’ve always tried to fill his shoes, which hasn’t always been easy. So if we can get it done, that would be great.”

The other female trainers who have won Hambletonians are Paula Wellwood with Marion Marauder 2016 and Linda Toscano with Market Share 2012.

Driver Yannick Gingras will be in the sulky behind the 6-5 betting favorite in the field of 10 3-year-old colts and geldings. Karl will face stiff competition, especially with chief rival T C I in the field, looking to give trainer Ron Burke his first Hambletonian win.

The two colts met twice last year, with each winning once. They won their Hambletonian elimination last weekend to earn spots in the final.

T C I will start from post position No. 4, with David Miller in the bike. They’re the 5-2 second choice.

“I love it,” said Burke, harness racing’s all-time leading trainer in wins and earnings. “Nancy thinks hers is the best horse. I think mine is the best horse. So, let’s get it on. And I don’t discount any horse in there, but these two know how to win. That’s the one thing they do, they win.”

Burke thought he had won the Hambletonian in 2017 when What The Hill finished first. However, he was disqualified for interference and Perfect Spirit was awarded first place.

Gingras also is looking forward to the race, which would be his first Hambletonian win.

“I could not be any more confident in my horse,” Gingras said of Karl. “I think last week was the best start of his career. I think it’s all systems go. I think he’s coming into the race in peak form, and we’ve just got to get the job done now. He’s a tremendous horse.”

With Karl starting in the No. 1 post position, here’s the rest of the field in post position order with horse, driver and odds: Mars Hill, Todd McCarthy, 20-1; Highland Kismet, Bob McClure, 5-1; T C I; Security Protected, Tim Tetrick, 20-1; Bella’s Musclehill, Scott Zeron, 15-1; Secret Agent Man, Andy Miller, 12-1; Sig Sauer, Andrew McCarthy, 4-1; Private Access, James MacDonald, 10-1; Amazing Catch, Dexter Dunn, 10-1.

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AP horse racing: https://apnews.com/hub/horse-racing