TAKTER DOUBLES UP IN GARDEN STATE

Sunday, May 17, 2026

In the Garden State, a $48,000 dash for 3-year-old trotting fillies, Madam Cheval worked out a second-over trip, displayed good trot after tipping with a little more than an eighth to go, then held off a late-charging Emmas Mystery CCL to record her second career win in 13 tries.

The Nancy Takter trainee, a daughter of Walner-Shake It Cerry who was driven by Tim Tetrick, stopped the clock in a lifetime-best 1:53 and returned $8 to win as the 3-1 second choice.

Takter completed a sweep of the Garden State’s two divisions – this one for $45,000 – for sophomore trotting fillies as 2-5 favorite Leading Lady tracked the action early from fourth in the five-horse field (there were two scratches), moved into contention nearing the far turn, and then exploited leader Isabella Bi’s wonky steps nearing the wire to record a safe neck win in a lifetime-best-equaling 1:53.1.

Driven by Matt Kakaley, Leading Lady, a daughter of Walner-Muscle Dolly, returned $2.80 to her backers.

In the first of two Garden State dashes for 3-year-old colts and geldings on the trot, which went for $45,000, the Marcus Melander-trained American Power sat a four-hole to the five-eighths before moving to the outside, was up to challenge leader Southwind Alamo with a little more than an eighth to go, before powering his way to victory in a lifetime-best 1:52.3.

The exquisitely well-bred colt by Walner-Ariana G, who was driven by Dexter Dunn, returned $3.80 as the 4-5 public choice.

Finally, in the second division for sophomore male trotters, which sported a purse of $42,000, the Tom Fanning-trained Practical Man worked out a pocket trip behind 3-5 favorite Never Say Die and skimmed the cones late to pick up his second win in three 2026 starts. The winning time of 1:53.4 was a lifetime best for the son of Tactical Landing-Fashion Athena.

The 5-1 third choice, who was driven by Jordan Stratton, returned $13.20 to win.

A LITTLE MORE: Tetrick, Joe Bongiorno and Tyler Buter topped the driver colony with a pair of winners each. … Takter and Melander each scored twice to lead the trainers. … Followers of Ken Warkentin wore out a path the windows, as The Big M’s track announcer selected seven winners on top, including Sergeant Walt in the first race ($14.20 to win) and A Little Kick in the second ($3.80) to complete an ice-cold early daily double that returned $39.80. … All-source betting on the 14-race program totaled $2,684,078. … Racing resumes Friday at 6:35 p.m.