‘Fielding’ of Dreams

by Greg Gangle, WEG Communications

Campbellville, ON — John Fielding, one of the most prominent owners in harness racing, will be well represented in this Saturday’s C$1 million Canadian Trotting Classic at Mohawk.

Fielding, a resident of Toronto, will send out three entries in the 37th edition of the classic. Little Brown Fox looks best of the trio after he captured his elimination in 1:53, defeating Hambletonian winner and post time favorite, Market Share.

The son of Muscles Yankee has earned $459,243 this season for Fielding, who shares ownership with his brother, Jim, Brittany Farms and Christina Takter, whose husband, Jimmy, conditions the youngster.

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Little Brown Fox has earned $459,243 in 2012.

“Little Brown Fox is pretty much on top of his game right now,” Fielding said. “He’s got a very good chance to win because of his post position and the way he’s been racing. His win in (1):51 and change two weeks ago was very impressive.”

Fielding also sends out Guccio, who finished second by a neck to Market Share in the Hambletonian in early August at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. He is also trained by Takter.

The son of Yankee Glide has banked $489,871 this season for Fielding, who owns part of the trotter with his brother, Jim, Christina Takter and Falkbolagen Ab.

“I think he’s got a very good chance to get a piece of it,” Fielding said. “I only wish he would have drawn a little better (post eight), but there’s nothing we can do about that. He raced very well in his elimination and always has a great charge at the end.”

When Little Brown Fox leaves post three for driver Yannick Gingras and Guccio from post eight for driver Takter, they will both look to find the wire first, ahead of their rival and probable favorite, Market Share.

“He’s a heck of a horse,” Fielding said of the Linda Toscano-trained Market Share. “I was really impressed with his elimination. He was out a long way and just kept coming and coming. I think he will be the favorite, especially from post one, so he’ll have every opportunity to get a good position early in the mile. I would say he’s the horse to beat, but it can happen.”

Fielding says it’s always a special feeling coming to the track with his brother.

“Jimmy has always been around the horses with me since we were kids,” Fielding said. “My dad always had horses so we were involved. Jimmy came into horse ownership a little bit later than I did and he’s having unbelievable success right now and it’s great to see.”

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John Fielding will start a trio of horses in the Canadian Trotting Classic at Mohawk.

Fielding admits he was hooked on the sport since childhood.

“It’s in your blood and once that happens, you’re hooked,” he said. “I’ve always loved this sport, even from a young age. I admire the horse and the people in the industry.”

Fielding also has a long history with Takter, who is one of the sport’s most accomplished trotting trainers.

“He is one of my closest friends and he and his wife, Christina, are excellent people. He’s a very accomplished horseman,” Fielding said. “He’s the best in the business. Having Jimmy as my trainer, you never have to doubt. He always has the T’s crossed and the I’s dotted.

“If you have a good horse, he’ll prove it and if you have a not so successful horse, you know it’s not because he hasn’t tried to get the most out of him,” he continued. “We’ve had many thrills together and I hope that continues this weekend.”

Fielding’s final entry is Appomattox, who will begin from the outside post 10 for trainer Frank Antonacci and co-owners Brittany Farms, Adam Victor & Son Stable and Lindy Racing Stable.

The youngster, sired by Yankee Glide, finished fourth in his elimination for driver Scott Zeron.

“He’s a bit of a longshot, but he’s shown that he’s got some promise,” Fielding said. “He just has bad luck drawing post positions and this race is no different.”

Come Saturday at the Campbellville oval, Fielding will hope luck is on his side, with three chances at Canadian Trotting Classic glory.

Following is the Canadian Trotting Classic field in post position order, with listed drivers and trainers: 1. Market Share, Tim Tetrick, Linda Toscano; 2. Solvato, Trond Smedshammer, Smedshammer; 3. Little Brown Fox, Yannick Gingras, Jimmy Takter; 4. Knows Nothing, Jody Jamieson, Jeff Gillis; 5. Money On My Mind, Andy Miller, Julie Miller; 6. Gym Tan Laundry, Jack Moiseyev, Mike Vanderkemp; 7. My MVP, Mike Lachance, Tony Alagna; 8. Guccio, Takter, Takter; 9. Prestidigitator, Sylvain Filion, Dustin Jones; 10. Appomattox, Scott Zeron, Frank Antonacci.

Related Articles:

  • Little Brown Fox, Knows Nothing take CTC elims (Saturday, September 08, 2012)
    Little Brown Fox held off a late surge by Hambletonian winner Market Share to capture his C$40,000 Canadian Trotting Classic elimination for 3-year-olds on Saturday evening at Mohawk.
  • Moiseyev looks to make history in Canadian Trotting Classic (Tuesday, September 11, 2012)
    When the 37th edition of the C$1 million Canadian Trotting Classic takes place this Saturday at Mohawk, driver Jack Moiseyev will look to do what no other driver has done before in the rich classic. Moiseyev will look to become the first driver in the event’s history to post back-to-back wins.
  • Tetrick looks for another million-dollar score in Canadian Trotting Classic (Wednesday, September 12, 2012)
    If Tim Tetrick can drive Market Share to victory in Saturday’s C$1 million Canadian Trotting Classic for 3-year-old trotters, he will feel like a million bucks. Again.

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