V75® (Sunday): Dream draw for Djöseland – Strong contenders in both finals
Hot prospects both in the Kriterium and the Derby
Kjetil Djöseland has the conditions for an unforgettable Sunday when the “classic race finals” are held at Bjerke.
"I wouldn’t want to trade horses with anyone," says the trainer about Gigant Tider, who hopes to follow up this year’s Kriterium victory with a Derby triumph.
One of the biggest race weekends of the year for Norwegian harness racing is approaching.
On Saturday and Sunday, the “classic race weekend” takes place at the Oslo track, when all the finals of both the Kriterium and the Derby will be decided.
The festivities culminate on Sunday when the winners in the open divisions are crowned – and the Norwegian-Swedish V75 is also on the menu.
Forus trainer Kjetil Djöseland has a particularly exciting Sunday ahead.
He holds strong winning cards in both of the cold-blooded age finals.
In early August, Djöseland visited Dannero when he, together with 2 Grude Nils (V75-1), captured the Swedish cold-blooded Kriterium.
"The win was safe. Even though Ängsrask was closing in at the end, I think we won easily – it was under control," recalls Kjetil when we call him for a chat.
Grude Nils has had an almost spotless start to his career. The horse has made seven starts and won six of them.
The three-year-old has shown every indication that he could develop into something truly exceptional.
"He is a great talent. He’s a big horse but has developed nicely and continues to take steps forward. Time will tell just how good he really is, but the horse has kept improving all the time, and I’m very excited about his future. He’s been very sharp this year and looked really good in the elimination last time – no problems at all, everything clicked perfectly."
He’s also shown early speed – is “to the lead and gone” the plan for Sunday?
"Yes, he’s very fast out of the gate, so that’s the plan. I think he has a good winning chance no matter what."
Positive in the elimination – worth a warning
Even though Grude Nils is the big hope in this year’s Norwegian Kriterium, the stable actually has two more finalists qualified.
Kjetil himself will handle the lines behind 9 Brenne Brago (V75-1), who has only had three starts so far, but the trainer raises a cautionary flag.
"He raced very well in the elimination last time – very positive. The horse has had a lot of bad luck this season; he had to be gelded and also got an infection during that. But as I said, last time he did very well with the last 1,200 meters three-wide, and he was gaining on them at the finish. There’s still a lot of development in him."
Could he even challenge Grude Nils here?
"I think so. If things work out and we have some racing luck, I believe he can be right there among the top."
What about 4 Brenne Barsk, the third finalist – what are your expectations?
"He also raced well in his elimination, finishing third. He’s the kind of horse who hasn’t really opened up yet – he still holds back a bit in his races. But from a good post, he can at least grab a nice check," says Kjetil, summarizing:
"In any case, I believe Grude Nils is our best chance, ahead of Brenne Brago."
Gigant Tider must be beaten from the lead
Less than two hours after the Kriterium, it’s time for the Norwegian cold-blooded Derby.
The big four-year-old final is a race that top trainer Öystein Tjomsland has a strong fondness for. In fact, he’s captured the trophy the past six years in a row.
Tjomsland’s candidate this year is Tangen Martin, who is undefeated this year and recently won the Swedish equivalent.
The main challenger, however, comes from Kjetil Djöseland.
1 Gigant Tider (V75-5) won the Kriterium last year, defeating none other than Tangen Martin. Now they meet again.
"He was terrific last time with Magnus Teien Gundersen – an impressive performance. The horse has continued to train very well afterward, so I think he’s in great shape now. Gigant Tider has a convincing record."
Fifteen starts have resulted in twelve wins; in the three defeats, he has finished second. The horse, who was never entered for the Swedish stake races, now faces the biggest goal of his career so far.
"He’s been good all along, but especially this season, he’s taken steps forward. He’s raced against older horses and also had some trips in behind to build his mentality," says Kjetil, considering Sunday’s tactics:
"He’s very fast out of the gate, and from this post we’ll probably try to go to the lead and stay there."
So there’s a chance you could break Tjomsland’s winning streak?
“Tangen Martin is a very good horse, one we’ve battled many times both last year and this year. I respect him – he’s a really good one. But so is mine, and I certainly wouldn’t want to trade horses with anyone."
Finally, you also have 6 Malabar Sun (V75-4) starting. What can we expect there?
"He won at home at Forus last Saturday, and maybe he needed that race after a short break. Now, this race looks tougher, and perhaps it’s not much of a winning chance, but we can still pick up good money."