Wilkes-Barre, PA — A trio of distinguished mares with combined lifetime earnings of $4.6 million put in distinguished appearances during the Wednesday morning (Aug. 25) qualifying session at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono – and all three of them were trained by Nancy Takter.

The biggest earner in the group, with a bankroll of $3.1 million, is Black Horse Racing’s Manchego, currently No. 1 in the Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown Top 10 poll. Dexter Dunn sent the 6-year-old Muscle Hill mare to the front to control moderate splits of :29.4 and :58.3 before shifting her into a faster gear. Manchego hit three-quarters in 1:25.3 and the finish in 1:53.1 — equating a :54.3 back half.

Takter’s two starters in the upcoming Roses Are Red at Woodbine Mohawk Park — JK First Lady and Peaky Sneaky, were nearly equal in their stateside prep. The 3 Brothers Stables’ JK First Lady, a 4-year-old daughter of Western Ideal out of JK She’salady, rallied out of the pocket in rein to Dunn to catch Peaky Sneaky (Matt Kakaley) by a half length in 1:50.3 after stalking splits of :28, :56 and 1:23.3.

To view Wednesday’s qualifiers, visit the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association YouTube page.