Harness: Captain Optimistic to race and breed in 2026

The owners of Captain Optimistic have decided to continue to race the well-bred son of Captaintreacherous in 2026 as well as breed a limited book of mares to give him every opportunity to dominate in the 2026 racing season.

Nancy Takter, trainer of Captain Optimistic said, “I’m really excited to see Captain Optimistic continue racing at four. As his three-year old season progressed, he just got better and better, really finding his maturity. I’m confident he’ll keep developing and stamp himself as one of the top open pacers next year. And for breeders, there’s a unique opportunity to get in on him now – without any Gural rule penalty – and support New Jersey’s rapidly improving breeding and stakes program at the same time”.

Scott Zeron, who drove Captain Optimistic, had this to say about the colt: “He is a big strong colt. Aesthetically, he is just a perfect horse. He showed up to race every calling”.

Captain Optimistic is extremely well bred on both his paternal and maternal lines. He is out Captaintreacherous and the stakes winning mare, Cinamony (by Art Official) who has a mark of 1:49 3/5F, earnings of $532,404 and is the sister of $1.5 million winning Fear The Dragon. Cinamony's 2nd dam is Mattaroni, P, 3, 1:52 3/5M, $744,481.

Throughout his racing career, Captain Optimistic campaigned at the highest levels and produced multiple, eye-catching performances. He has a 2-year-old mark of 1:49.0M, a 3-year-old mark of 1:48.0M and earnings of $1,136,257.

In 2024, at 2, he won the New Jersey Classic Final in 1:50 1/5 (a personal best at the time); set a track record mile of 1:49.0 in a Breeders Crown elimination at The Meadowlands; and captured the prestigious Governor's Cup in a sharp 1:49 3/5 mile, securing a $382,200 purse.

In 2025, he won the 3-year-old Triple Crown Cane Pace in 1:48 1/5, the 3-year-old Bluegrass stake in 1:48.0 and won the Monument Circle at Hoosier. He finished 3rd in the final of the $600,000 Breeders Crown.

Captain Optimistic’s stud fee will be $5,000. For information about how to breed to him contact Linda Petrenko, Deo Volente Farms at (908) 782-4848 or email linda@deovolentefarms.com.

-edited release (Deo Volente Farms)