Takter Trotting Fillies Triple
Five divisions of Pennsylvania Sire Stakes for two-year-old filly trotters were contested Friday at Harrah's Philadelphia, each carrying a purse of just over $57,000.
In the first division, it was Speak To Me (sired by Muscle Massive) remaining undefeated, going on to an easy victory in a time of 1:55. It was the first of three training wins for Jimmy Takter, and one of four driving wins for Yannick Gingras. Thats So Ironic finished second, while Matter Hatter was third. Speak To Me is owned by Brittany Farms.
In division two, it was Smexi (by Explosive Matter) closing fast up the passing lane for the win. The Takter trainee drafted behind the speed of eventual third place finisher Kirsi Hanover and won the sprint home in a time of 1:57. Favourite Kelseys Keepsake was second. Smexi is owned by the Fieldings, Christina Takter, and Herb Liverman, and was driven by Gingras.
In the third division, it was Wild Honey (Cantab Hall) picking up her second career win. She was fast off the gate and never looked back, stopping the clock in 1:57. Love Me Madly finished second, while longshot Mercer County was third. Wild Honey is owned by the previous winner's connections and was also piloted by Gingras.
Division four went to Blessings Counted (Muscle Massive). She brushed to the lead just shy of the half, and went on to a convincing win in a time of 1:57. She is owned by Regina and trainer Rick Beinhauer, and was driven by Dan Rawlings. Bright Baby Blues finished second, while Avalon Hall was third.
In the fifth division, it was heavily favoured Gatka Hanover (Muscle Massive) scoring an impressive victory. The Ron Burke trainee remains a perfect three-for-three, stopping the timer in 1:57. She is owned by Burke Racing, Our Horse Cents Stables, Tracy Hendler and Weaver Bruscemi, and was driven by Matt Kakaley.
(With files from Harrah's Philadelphia)