V86: Interesting changes on Mats Sundin's millionaire –"Will have a good effect"
Mats Sundin is a well-known part-owner of Borups Victory.
But the hockey legend is also a part-owner of Lindysmusclemania, who is the favorite in V86 at Bergsåker.
The assistant trainer in the Wäjersten stable, Oskar Florhed, has some interesting information about the horse.
"We have changed his training routine over the last month and saved his feet. He will race barefoot for the first time in his career. I think it will have a good effect on him," says Florhed.
V86 Xpress is split between Bergsåker and Solvalla. Daniel Wäjersten is, as usual, in the spotlight at his home track, and all four of his starters on the V86 card have a chance to win, according to Oskar Florhed. Two are favorites, and the other two are challengers to their stablemates.
"I think all four horses can win," says Oskar Florhed when we reach him on the phone.
5 Lindysmuclemania (V86-5) is partly owned by a certain Mats Sundin and Ulf Dahlén, among others. The hockey icon has an exciting week ahead of himself, as Borups Victory is the favorite from the inside post in the Paralympic Trot on Saturday. On Wednesday, he warms up with Lindysmuclemania at Bergsåker. He is a capable horse who has made SEK 1.2 million and won half of his 26 lifetime starts, where two of his wins came in V75. He started this year by winning two in a row before a minor hiccup. Trainer Daniel Wäjersten and his team have made some changes in training, and an interesting shoeing change is also being announced for this start. He starts from post five behind the gate on Wednesday and will be the betting favorite.
"Lindysmusclemania has not been as good as expected in several starts this year, so we have changed his training. He used to train a lot on the uphill, but now we train him more on the straight track. That's something different for the horse who has struggled with his gait, but it looks good now. We have also saved his feet, and now it's time to pull his shoes. He will race barefoot all around for the first time in his career, and I think it will have a good effect on him. He likes it when he's near the front, and Daniel will likely leave with him. There are some quick horses to his inside, but he's strong, tough, and ready for a good effort. I think he will battle for the win here," says Oskar Florhed, and adds that there are no other changes on the horse.
"Great in his first start of the year – we were super pleased"
One of the toughest opponents for Lindysmusclemania could be his stablemate Night Art. He was a good second in his first start of the year, and Wäjersten's horses are known to improve a lot with a start in their legs.
"9 Night Art (V86-5) raced great in his last start, and we were super pleased with him. He feels strong in training after that start, and I think our two starters are equal. With a high pace, he will pass many at the end. As I said, I think our two are equal and I can't say which horse will finish before the other," says Oskar Florhed.
"Was nervous and didn't know what to do"
In the seventh leg, the next Wäjersten favorite comes out. Onana Boko is a new horse in the stable from the Netherlands. He made his first start for his new trainer last time, but made a break at the start.
"2 Onana Boko (V86-7) was nervous at the start since it was his first time in volt start. He didn't know what to do, so he interfered and made a break. This time, he starts behind the gate, which is better for him. He also drew a perfect post position; now he will be in the two-path right away. He's not very quick at the start, but I have a feeling there will be plenty of speed in this race, as many quick leavers are looking to get to the lead. He has trained well and feels strong and tough, and I think he will race well. Spontaneously, the short distance doesn't feel like an advantage for him since he is stronger than quick and doesn't leave all that fast. But this was the race where he fits right now. He might race barefoot behind and in a regular style sulky, like in his last start."
What about his stablemate Kilgore, who is in the same race and finished fourth in his seasonal debut and comes with a start in his leg?
"10 Kilgore (V86-7) sat way back last time out but closed well down the stretch. Per Linderoth was pleased with how the horse felt; with that start in his legs, he will improve quite a bit. As I said, I think if they go really fast in the beginning, it will benefit him. Just like that other race, it's hard to say who will finish before the other. I think Kilgore will beat many horses down the stretch. Barefoot all around and an American sulky again, no changes," says Oskar Florhed.