Can anyone beat Jimmy Takter in this year’s Hambletonian?
That question will be a lot easier to answer around 4:30 this afternoon as Takter will send out four of his Hambo hopefuls in the $370,000 Zweig Memorial at Vernon Downs. The Takter quartet, which will be coupled in the wagering, consists of Uncle Lasse, Canepa Hanover, Pinkman and Whom Shall I Fear. It’s not a matter of Takter separating himself from the pack but, now, one of his horses giving off signs they are the superior 3-year-old trotter in their stable.
“It’s going to be very difficult to beat any one of Jimmy’s horses, let alone all four,” said trainer George Ducharme, who will challenge Team Takter with Wings Of Royalty. “My horse has to step up a little bit to think he can go at this level.”