Harrah's Hoosier Park: Takter trainees finish 1-2 in Jim Doherty Memorial

Champagne Problems made a bold move to the lead before the half and went on to a solid performance, capturing Friday’s $305,000 Jim Doherty Memorial at Harrah's Hoosier Park and giving driver Dexter Dunn a sweep of the Grand Circuit stakes on the program. The 2-year-old filly by Tactical Landing trotted her mile in 1:54.

Dunn had Champagne Problems leaving strongly from post seven, but she was circled early by Royal Mission and Scott Zeron from the outer post to the front. Pink Chou Chou and Yannick Gingras settled into a tuck entering the first turn, and Dunn put Champagne Problems in third as Ponda Fashion miscued, leaving ample space. Royal Mission passed the quarter in 27 3/5 and Dunn sent the Nancy Takter-trained Champagne Problems on a quick burst to clear the lead before the 57 1/5 half had been reached.

Unlike her last start in the Peaceful Way, Dunn was able to rate Champagne Problems kindly through the third quarter as favored Delaney Hanover took quite some time before moving off the pylons, allowing the second choice Champagne Problems to coast to the three-quarters in 1:26 3/5.

That was all the winner needed as Dunn called on Champagne Problems, and she took off with a brilliant closing kick. Pink Chou Chou advanced solidly as well, crossing the wire second and giving trainer Takter a one-two finish in the race. Early pace-setter Royal Mission held on to third, with favored Delaney Hanover unable to make up ground in the final quarter while finishing fourth.

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"She was brilliant on Hambo Day," said Dunn, referring to a New Jersey Sire Stakes championship victory. "She got a little fired up in Canada but was back to normal tonight."

Owned by Rojan Stable, Family Business, Patrick Hoopes and Caviart Farms, Champagne Problems was a winner for the fourth time in seven career starts. As a 5-2 offering Champagne Problems returned $7.00 to win.

"I gave 20 percent to my kids as a Christmas present," said Nancy Takter, explaining the Family Business co-owning partnership. "It's worked out well so far."