V75®: Gearing up by gearing down
No pullout earplugs.
After the break in his last start, Nicklas Westerholm is cutting down on the equipment for It's Showtime Zaz's V75® start this Saturday at Gävle.
"I was very optimistic before his last start and I'm optimistic again" says Romme licensed trainer Westerholm.
It's Showtime Zaz (V75®-1) arrived at Nicklas Westerholm's stable as late as November last year. On five starts he's taken three wins for his new trainer.
"It's been great efforts, I'm very happy with him. Every time he's been alright he has won. That shows he's got a lot of ability" says Nicklas Westerholm.
The year started with two straight wins but in his third start, It's Showtime Zaz wasn't himself.
"At that point he was just tired after having raced on hard track during the winter" says trainer Westerholm who gave his five year old a longer break following that race.
He won in his return to the racetrack and in his last start it looked promising but in the stretch he made a break.
"He's a bit sensitive at high speed and he had never worn pullout earplugs earlier. The driver said he made a break as he pulled them out. It all happened at once there, so we won't use them this time. He looks great after the race and I have no complaints. I was very optimistic before his last start and I'm optimistic again".
"The distance is perfect"
On Saturday Gävle is hosting a V75 party. Traditionally the winner of HRH Prince Daniel's race is given the pink Elitlopp invitation and for many it's either the last preparation or the last chance to get an invitation.
For It's Showtime Zaz the royal race is not on the radar. Instead it's a long distance race over 2600 meters. Both the long distance and the post position three are perfect for him.
"It's tough racing on V75 but he's tough himself and he drew a good post position. This was the best post position we could possibly get and the distance is perfect for him - he's much better over the longer distance" says Nicklas Westerholm who gets back in the bike behind his trainee on Saturday.
"I guess the plan is to get him to step out of there as quickly as possible. He hasn't left all that well before so I don't think we have any chance getting to the lead but he has to leave a little bit to get a good position. He's good enough for the class, he won V75 this past winter against some good horses".
How is It's Showtime Zaz getting ready for this start in this nice summer weather?
"He's training good. He needs his routines with his own field and his stall and so on, he needs harmony. He's been a picky eater before, so he has his routines and we're not changing them".
How are you getting ready?
"I'm getting ready by spending time with my daughter in between racedays. I try to spend as much time as possible with my family".