Takter trainee scores

Solveig, the only distaffer in the field, and driver Marcus Johansson capitalized on a smart early move to capture the $48,000 final of the Sheps Pride late-closer trot at Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack on Thursday afternoon.

Third after a quarter-mile in :29.2, Johansson moved Solveig outside and quickly gained the lead from Calchips Muscle. The daughter of Yankee Glide was able to get a second quarter breather and reached the half-mile in :59.2, but soon faced a first-over challenge from Stonetag. After reaching three quarters in a contested 1:27.1, Solveig was able to repel the challenge to score the victory in 1:56.

“I thought they’d leave out of there harder,” said Johansson. “We got a soft first quarter so I decided to move her. She got there easy. We didn’t do much with her during the week because she worked so hard last week. I expected her to race even better this week than she did last week.”

Solveig is a 4-year old mare owned by Christine Takter, John Fielding, Fred Hertrich and Anderberg Stable. She is trained by Jimmy Takter.

Stonetag endured a very challenging trip to finish second for driver Jack Baggitt Jr. “He fought real tough first over,” said Baggitt. “There is no shame finishing second to Solveig.”

Classic Man was third.

In other late-closer action at Harrah’s Chester, 4-year-old trotter Beach Nut Brand dominated the second leg of The Richie Prospect. With Cat Manzi in the bike, Beach Nut Brand scored a powerful 14 3/4-length victory in 1:53.3. Earlsact rallied to be second, with favorite Sir Perseverance finishing third.

Beach Nut Brand is owned by Scott Kurzok and Stable 45. The 5-year-old trotter is trained by Steve Elliott. (Harrah's Chester)

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