Nix Nacken has an amazing stride. Watch the replay of the race and then watch the slo-mo of the finish as just eats up the track effortlessly. I have owned many trotters over the years (from 1970 through 1995) and most of then I bought as "mature" race horses after their 3 yo season. Aside from the usual (vet, assessment of potential soundness issues based on confirmation etc.) the single most important criterion was the gait/stride. If he stays together, he is my Hambo pick as of today. Apex is a magnificent creature and may be the "highest" bred trotter ever (based on both Walner and Mission Brief being 1/2/3 of all time for male and female trotters), but Nix Nacken will out-trot him comfortably based on where the two are, as of today.
