Meadowlands: Trixton wins 2014 Hambletonian
All eyes were on 2-5 favorite Father Patrick in the 89th Hambletonian on Saturday at the Meadowlands, but that did not last very long. Just as the field was sent on their way, Father Patrick made a break and that left the trotting class up for grabs, and trainer/driver Jimmy Takter did just that with Trixton.
Nuncio was the fastest of the 3-year-old trotters as he went to the front in a brisk 26 3/5 opening quarter while parking out fellow leaver Royal Ice, who was followed by Trixton on the rim. Nuncio would continue the hot pace as pocket-sitter Resolve kept Royal Ice parked out.
After the half came on the board in 54 seconds, it was apparent that Takter was sitting in the perfect spot to pounce. Midway around the final turn the Hall of Famer made his move and pulled alongside Nuncio, a horse he also trains. Nuncio and Trixton engaged in battle past three quarters in 1:23.
The two Takter trainees battled valiantly before Trixton edged to a half-length win in 1:50 3/5.
Nuncio was second and Harper Blue Chip closed for third.
“In the middle of the last turn my horse felt really strong and I figured that Nuncio had to be a little tired from the pace he set up,” said Takter.
“This is something that I was just dreaming about,” added Takter. “It is hard to describe. It will probably take a day or two to sink in.”
With defeat came failure as Takter also trained Father Patrick, who finished last of the eleven horses.
Nikki Sherman Trixton adorns Hambo flowers.
“I was going into this race and I was really expecting Father Patrick to win the race,” said Takter. “I didn’t find out until after that he made a break.
“I don’t want to take anything away from Trixton, he is a fantastic horse. And taking nothing away from Nuncio, but to me Father Patrick is the best of the three.”
It was a big day for Takter, who also trained Lifetime Pursuit, winner of the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks.
Trixton is owned by Brixton Medical AB and Christina Takter. The son of Muscle Hill-Emilie Cas El increased his lifetime earnings to $840,604.
Trixton paid $10.60 to win.
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