V85®: The Bollnäs couple is coming in strong on Saturday

Better and better for each year.

Together with his partner Jenni H. Åsberg, Tomas Pettersson will surpass last year’s results by a wide margin. In 2024, the stable exceeded SEK 4 million in earnings for the first time. That record has long since been passed, and with just under a month remaining in 2025, the duo will exceed SEK 5 million with room to spare.

"We get slightly better horses to work with year by year, and we have a training method we believe in. Jenni and I work closely together, and we are fortunate to have very good staff, which is also a significant factor.

"We improve a little all the time and are open to changes, even if it’s in the details. The horses have stayed healthy and been able to race continuously, and that makes them progress as well," says Tomas Pettersson.

On Saturday, V85 is held at Östersundstravet, and for the second consecutive week, there is a jackpot, with a single winner able to claim a total of SEK 45 million.

Tomas Pettersson and Jenni H. Åsberg will make the roughly 250-kilometer trip to Östersund with six horses participating in the big Pick 8.

"I think it may have happened once before that we had this many starters in a Saturday program. The horses are in good form and have no major issues racing with shoes."

First out is 8 Young Anthony (V85-3), who was beaten as the favorite last time out.

"He wasn’t at his best last time. It was his first time racing with corks, and I think he wasn't able to relax with them. We checked him thoroughly and found nothing wrong; in fact, he has felt much better in training since. He probably just needed some time to get used to the new balance. He’s the right type of horse, and I believe and hope quite a lot for his future.

"The post position is poor, and I hope there will be some early action so we can get into the race somehow. The horse feels good and won’t embarrass himself. He will probably race with pull-out earplugs for the first time."

In V85-5, the stable has two starters, and Tomas drives 6 You Go Maya himself.

"She has two wins in a row and feels better and better. She didn’t trot perfectly last time, but just like Young Anthony, she wasn’t used to the corks in her shoes. She feels good in training and is quick from the start.

"If we reach the lead, I’ll stay there, and I consider her my best chance on Saturday.

"2 Glory Forever has a similar ability to You Go Maya, but perhaps not the same winning instinct. Glory Forever was locked in with some power left last time after a short break. She will move forward with that race in her legs, and the post position suits her. She is most effective with cover, and we will see how far that takes her."

With 9 Chloe Broline (V85-6), Pettersson will drive conservatively and hope for luck.

"She is very fast from the gate and has been involved in several early battles recently, and she won’t have to deal with that this time. She is in good form and can sprint sharply if she gets to save her speed. She is used to racing barefoot, but it’s the same for everyone, and she handled it quite well last winter."

The veteran 9 Cab Frontline (V85-7) faces tough competition in Sanity’s race.

"He is in good form and has finished strongly in several recent starts. He’s getting older and prefers a perfect trip nowadays. I’m satisfied with the post position, and I will try to save him and hope we can bring home some good money."

The final starter is 11 Globa Easy Rider (V85-8), who comes in with three straight wins.

"He has raced evenly and reliably throughout the year, I would say, and he has earned his success. At the same time, the races have been suitable and the competition somewhat easier. He remains in good form in training and will deliver a solid performance. The post position leaves us dependent on what the others do. A trip behind horses at a high pace would be ideal, and then he can certainly pick off many at the finish."