V86®: Don't forget Alsén's strong trio
Olle Alsén sends out three starters at his home track as Gävle hosts this week’s V86®.
"I think all three have a good chance of being in the mix."
The STL Summer Trot series is soon coming to an end. This week’s V86® takes place in Gävle, marking the last time for a while that a single track will host the multi million betting event. Next Wednesday features V75® with, among other races, the "Margaretapokalen", and the week after that V86 returns to its two-track format.
In addition to a jackpot of SEK 13 million, Gävle offers top-class racing, with the Gävle Stora Pris as the highlight. Daniel Redén is sending out his star Francesco Zet in slightly easier company than usual, making him tough to beat in the Wednesday feature.
Local trainer Olle Alsén has been active all summer and sends out three starters.
"I’m very happy with all three and expect strong performances," says Olle Alsén.
First up is 1 Myrsjös Tage (V86-5), who has really stepped up this year.
"He was immature and a bit green last year, so we decided to castrate him. It’s worked out well—he’s developed a lot and has raced well all season, especially this summer.
He’s not very big physically, but he’s got a big stride, something he inherited from his sire Timetosaygoodbye, who raced successfully a few years back."
The post position must be a plus. Is the horse quick out of the gate?
"The post position is good, and he can leave the gate quickly. I’ll leave from the start but don’t want to lock myself into a set strategy. He’s in tough in this class, but not many in the field have trotted faster than he has."
Any changes?
"He can be a bit too aggressive at times, so I’ll see what I do with the bridle. I’ll try a blind bridle in training and see how he reacts. If that goes well, we’ll likely go with some type of blind bridle in the race. He’ll race in the American sulky again—last time was a volt start race with a regular sulky. Barefoot again this time."
Equal chances—both worth going on the ticket
In the final race of the card, Alsén has a duo and will drive 7 Mr Spain himself.
"I had to pick one, so this time I’m driving Mr Spain."
"He’s a very good horse, and I’m really happy with his current form. Last time he faced several strong opponents, had a good speed at the end, and gained on them all the way down the stretch. The post is a bit far out, but he’s quick out of the gate, and I won’t be taking back early. No equipment changes planned."
"1 Keep Rolling F. is also a very nice horse who has won in V75 this year. There was an accident at Bergsåker, which was, of course, unfortunate and difficult for everyone involved. The horse then had some time off, and we worked on both his physical and mental recovery."
“He felt great in his qualifier and was very good last time in V75 after an early break. He feels great in training and should improve even more with that start in his legs. He’s quick out of the gate, and the post position is good. He’s a bit special, so I’ve talked to Tomas Pettersson, who will be driving him, and the best thing is to just let the horse do his thing. Tactically, it’s up to Tomas. I’m fine with him being raced in the lead if he can hold them out. No changes planned."
"I think I have two good horses in that race—they’re equal and both worth going on the ticket."