A wheel speed sensing system for a work vehicle having an engine, a transmission, a differential, and an axle, defining a central longitudinal axis and coupled to the differential. The wheel speed sensing system includes a sensor target disposed at the axle and a sensor configured to transmit a sensor signal, wherein the sensor is located adjacently to the sensor target. The sensor target includes a plurality of step splines each having a top surface and first and second planar sidewalls. The sidewalls of the step splines are aligned along a radius extending from the central longitudinal axis, such that the sides are undercut with respect to the top surface. An intersection of each of the sidewalls with the top surface defines an edge forming a relatively sharp transition configured to be sensed by the sensor. A chamfer at the intersection of the sidewalls and the top surface is also contemplated.