After having utilized a bye straight into Saturday's $1 million Canadian Trotting Classic at Mohawk Racetrack, trainer Jimmy Takter has taken time to discuss Hambletonian winner Muscle Massive as he sets his sights on
taking down another seven-figure event.
"I trained him this past Saturday morning (September 11) in 1:54 over Mohawk Racetrack," Takter told the Woodbine Entertainment Group media department. "Before, the fastest I have ever trained him was 1:58, but I thought that he needed a good tightener to be fit for the final."
The last three winners of the Hambletonian -- Muscle Hill, Deweycheatumnhowe, Donato Hanover -- have also been victorious in the CTC, and Muscle Massive is looking to keep that streak alive.
Muscle Massive, a son of Muscles Yankee, has posted an impressive 5-2-1 record from nine starts this year with $1,033,638 in seasonal earnings. In his most recent outing, Muscle Massive won his division of the $127,947 Simcoe Stakes at Mohawk.
"I am thrilled to have Post 5 for the final," Takter commented. "We got lucky and were blessed to have a good post and he will be in top condition come Saturday."
Takter went on to say, "He is a special horse and a true professional. After he won in (1:) 56 in the Simcoe Stakes over a muddy track I wanted him even tighter for this week. I didn't think he could race in the final off that kind of mile."
Muscle Massive will have regular pilot Ron Pierce handling the lines for owners Brixton Medical Ab, Order BY Stable, Louie Camara, Marvin Katz, Al Libfeld and Sam Goldband.
One of his Muscle Massive's main competitors in the CTC will be Lucky Chucky, who finished second to Muscle Massive in the Hambletonian earlier this year.
To read some comments from Lucky Chucky's trainer, Chuck Sylvester, click here.
To view the entries for Mohawk's Saturday night program, click here.
Racing fans are also reminded that this Saturday is customer appreciation night at Mohawk Racetrack. The first 2,000 fans will receive a complimentary slice of pizza and beverage.
Mohawk will offer a guaranteed pool of $50,000 on Saturday’s early Pick-4 as part of the festivities. Fans that can’t make it to the track can watch live coverage of the $1 million Canadian Trotting Classic and $500,000 William Wellwood Memorial during a two-hour special, from 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., on The Score.
(With files from WEG)