National star Karl in NJSS spotlight at Big M
At 1h43, on May 31, 2024 • By THE MEADOWLANDS
Two weeks ago, a national television audience was introduced to Karl, the current early favorite to capture the 99th edition of the $1 million Hambletonian on Saturday (Aug. 3) at The Meadowlands.
On Friday (May 31), Big M fans will be able to head to the track and see the colt trotting sensation look for his third victory in as many seasonal tries as he goes for a three-race sweep of the New Jersey Sire Stakes for 3-year-old males in the event’s $240,000 final.
There is also a $240,000 final for sophomore filly trotters on the card.
Karl has had no problems while beating his foes by a cumulative 10-3/4 lengths in his first two outings of the year. In both starts, he paid $2.10 to win after trotting his miles in 1:53.2 and 1:52.2, respectively.
“He’s doing great,” said Karl’s trainer, Nancy Takter, the unanimous choice for Dan Patch Trainer of the Year in 2020. “I trained him (Tuesday) and he was super. He’s a very happy horse.
“He’s got a little bit of a break until late June (after the Sire Stakes). We will only race at The Meadowlands until the Hambletonian. I may have to qualify him, but we’ll play that by ear.”
The son of Tactical Landing-Avalicious will be going after his 12th win from 13 lifetime starts Friday night. A victory would lift his lifetime earnings to $1,191,977.
“Karl certainly is the one to beat this weekend when The Meadowlands presents the New Jersey Sire Stakes,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “The entire nation got to meet the leggy sophomore two weeks ago when he dominated his division rivals on America’s Day at The Races, which was shown on FOX Sports 2. And all of harness racing will be watching him as Hambletonian Day draws ever closer.”
Racing begins at 6:20 p.m. at The Meadowlands.
