With Deweycheatumnhowe and Crazed drawing outside for the Breeders Crown Three-Year-Old Colt Trot, the table could be set for Jimmy Takter pupil In Focus to post a big upset Saturday night at the Meadowlands Racetrack.
"The post position is a big advantage," Takter told Trot Insider.
It's hard to believe that after posting a seasonal record of 10-0-2, $365,968 in purses and a mark of 1:52.3 from 16 starts In Focus is still a sizable underdog in his 'Crown' division. Takter has retained Dave Palone to steer the SJs Photo gelding and the pair will fire from Post 3.
This week, soft palate issues for 'Dewey' raised questions about the colt's status for the Crown. The fact that the trotting superstar drew Post 8 isn't going to help him any in securing another prestigious accolade. Crazed is fresh off a win in the Matron Stakes, but there is no doubt that his connections aren't overly happy with the Post 10 starting spot Saturday.
The bad news for Dewey and Crazed translates to good news for the rest of the field, especially In Focus. Also, In Focus' 12-1 morning line status looks all the more tempting.
In Focus' Canadian connections will also be glued to the tube, if they aren't making the trek to the Meadowlands themselves. The bay was bred by Steve Organ of Aurora, Ont. and is owned in part by John and Jim Fielding of Toronto, Ont.
In Focus hasn't raced since being defeated by Crazed in the Matron November 9 at Dover Downs. With a three-race win streak on the line, In Focus trotted out to the lead, chopped out the fractions and got caught late by Crazed and Holiday Credit. Trot Insider asked Takter what he thought of In Focus' effort in the Matron, and what he thought about having 19 days off heading into the Crown.
"In terms of him being off for a little bit of time heading in, I'm not too worried," he said. "Having a couple of weeks off has probably worked to his advantage. I don't see any problem with him having had the break.
"He raced well in his (Matron) elim, but the fractions were a little hot in the final and he took a pretty good deal of pressure. I'm not worried about the Matron final."
In scanning In Focus' lines during the three-race win streak, the thing that jumps out is the gate-to-wire miles. The career winner of 13 races and over $411,000 in purses thrived off front-end trips.
"With the post position situation for the Breeders Crown, he should be able to make it to the front pretty easily," Takter explained. "Hopefully we will be able to set our own pace and hopefully hit the board."
They may hit the board. They may just end up being the king of the castle.
Click here to view a printable program page for the Meadowlands' Breeders Crown card.