In his three previous victories this year, two of them in sub-1:47, Captain Optimistic had secured the front end by the half. So when his backers at Philly on Sunday afternoon (July 26) saw him sixth and wide nearing the first turn, they might have been worried about the 1-9 choice’s chances. But driver Scott Zeron backed off the early speed battle, raced Captain Optimistic from second-over position, and had enough late kick to take the $16,000 fast-class handicap pace in 1:49.2.
Tag: Nancy Takter
Captain Optimistic in Philly record 1:48.1 in 2026 bow
Captain Optimistic left little doubt that he was ready for top-level competition as he won his 4-year-old debut Sunday (May 17) at Harrah’s Philadelphia in 1:48.1, equaling the track record for pacing horses of his age.
Karl rallies, Takter repeats in Hambletonian
Karl won the $1,050,000 Hambletonian on Saturday (Aug. 3) at the Meadowlands as trainer Nancy Takter continued a family tradition and Hall of Fame driver Yannick Gingras scored his first win in the trotting classic.
Pink Chou Chou wins Vernon NYSS; MacDonald wins five
Pink Chou Chou and driver Todd McCarthy captured the $108,200 New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotting fillies on Friday (July 26) at Vernon Downs.