Rookie trotters battle in NJSS finals at the Meadowlands

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Nordic Catcher S (Six Pack) and Champagne Problems (Tactical Landing-Miss Caviar) dominated in their respective $240,000 New Jersey Sire Stakes finals for 2-year-old harness racing trotters at the Meadowlands on Saturday (Aug. 3).

In the colt final, Nordic Catcher S was driven to a steady trot early and was saving ground. He took a safe spot positioned on the rail as outsider Onajetplane left hard from the outside to rush for the front beside a quick-stepping move off the gate by Hidalgo, who left from post 10.

Yannick G Kemp and Sky Legacy sought good spots just as Hidalgo broke stride and bothered Tactical Dynasty, who went into a mild gallop and lost ground. Favorite Go Boom began maneuvering to attempt taking control by the :27.1 first quarter; he rocketed to the lead between panels and cut the half in :56.1.

Nordic Catcher S remained in waiting on the pylons while Go Boom battled Onajetplane passing three-quarters in 1:25.2. Trainer-driver Åke Svanstedt turned a second-over move with Nordic Catcher S into a catapulting 3-1/4-length lead for the youngster’s second win, well ahead of Don’t Ask For More, who finished second. Back on stride after the early misstep, Tactical Dynasty got up to claim the show spot. Nordic Catcher S paid $7.80 to win.

Little E LLC and Svanstedt own Nordic Catcher S, a son of world champion Six Pack out of the Somebeachsomehere pacing mare That Woman Hanover. The colt has now won $138,750 in three starts, setting a 1:53.3 lifetime mark in the New Jersey Sire Stakes final.

“He’s something special,” Svanstedt said, making note that he bought the yearling with no regard to its being bred out of a pacing champion’s female bloodline. As well, Svanstedt said he was not concerned with the race activity through three-quarters that found his colt in fourth. “He can race his best from the front or behind.”

NORDIC CATCHER S REPLAY

In the filly final, Champagne Problems left well over a track turned “sloppy” and settled into second as Kendra left best to take the lead while Lady Landia followed her into a :27.4 first panel.  Rolling in line up the backstretch, driver Dexter Dunn pulled Champagne Problems from the rail to the outside and flew to the lead, slicing a :56.2 half and a 1:24.4 three-quarters.

The filly was gliding to the finish line with ease while Spicy Nice revved up with late speed to finish best of the rest. Champagne Problem’s 1:52.3 mile is a new speed badge. Kendra caught the third spot.

Rojan Stables, Family Business, Patrick Hoopes and Caviart Farms own Champagne Problems, who is trained by Nancy Takter. The filly has now earned $148,750 in her first racing season. She paid $5.20 to win.

“She is a super nice filly,” Takter said. “I like the Tactical Landing-sired horses, and I was surprised [this one] cost so cheap.” She said each of the four filly trotters she trains “look good” this season.

CHAMPAGNE PROBLEMS REPLAY

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Frank Cotolo, for the Meadowlands