When a horse sells for $800,000 as a yearling and boasts a sibling the likes of Mission Brief, the expectations are high. Tactical Landing's effort in the 2018 $600,000 Breeders Crown for three-year-old trotting colts & geldings gave those investors the kind of performance they were hoping for in taking that chance two years ago.
Driver Brian Sears settled public choice Tactical Landing away in fourth while Mets Hall fronted the field through the opening :27.1 quarter. As the field straightened in front of the grandstand, Sears gave Tactical Landing his cue and the duo cleared to command before the :55.4 half.
Crystal Fashion (Tim tetrick) started an overland bid from fourth down the Pocono backside but a 1:23.4 third panel thrown down by Tactical Landing kept all rivals at bay. In the stretch there was absolutely no question who would win, but just by how much as the lead for Tactical Landing looked to lengthen with each stride. The timer was tripped in 1:52.1 with Mets Hall holding off Crystal Fashion for place honours. Ontario Sires Stakes hopefuls Run Director (Sylvain Filion) and Jula Downton (Jody Jamieson) rounded out the top five respectively.
The win gives Takter a series-leading 34th title, with seven coming in this division.
"I know he's the best three-year-old out there. Six Pack is a good horse, it's too bad he got sick but he wouldn't have a shot at this horse. I know this horse is a level above anything that's been out for many years."
After a less-than-stellar rookie season, trainer Takter took over the training on Tactical Landing earlier this year and the colt has responded with a summary of 8-2-2 in 13 sophomore starts. The winner's share of the purse lifted the bankroll of Tactical Landing (Muscle Hill - Southwind Serena) to $694,300 for The Tactical Landing Stable of Perrysburg, Ohio.
Takter noted that the ownership group needs to discuss if Tactical Landing would go on to face older foes in the TVG next month.
The Three-Year-Old Colt Trot was one of 12 lucrative finals on a star-studded 2018 Breeders Crown night at Pocono featuring most of harness racing's top participants. Read about the rest of the stakes action in the 2018 Breeders Crown News Centre.