V75®: Out to humble the Norwegians again

Månlykke A.M. (V75-4) was back in fine form last Tuesday when he won a thrilling stretch battle with Järvsöodin—a welcome rebound after a flat effort in the Swedish Championship.

"I was really puzzled in the SM, because he looked great warming up, but then just quit the last 150 meters. His heart rate was normal afterwards, so it was hard to explain. The pace was slow early and then fast at the end, and when he felt he couldn’t catch them, maybe he figured it wasn’t worth trying," trainer-driver Gunnar Melander reflects.

But in his most recent start—where Melander himself returned to the sulky after letting Magnus A Djuse drive the horse nine times in a row—Månlykke A.M. showed that, even at eleven years old, he still has plenty left to give.

"I think he put in a really strong effort. He left the gate quickly and finished very well, so there was nothing to complain about. It was just great to see that he still wants to compete. He felt really sharp and had that extra spark," Melander says.

Unionstravet was first held at Färjestad in 2005 to mark the centenary of the dissolution of the Sweden–Norway union. The day’s main event is the Unionskampen for coldbloods. Historically, Norwegians have dominated the race, which carries a SEK 300,000 first prize, but last year Sweden claimed its sixth victory when Månlykke A.M. swept past Norwegian favorites Brenne Borken and Tangen Bork with a devastating three-wide move. Both rivals return this year.

"Everything looks good with Månlykke after his last start. He’s positive, lively, and happy. But now he’s really facing the elite. The Norwegians are very strong, and we’ll be the underdogs. Still, we drew a good post that should give us a good trip," says Melander.

Like last year, Månlykke A.M. starts from the inside post, which worked perfectly when he found a second-over position halfway through the race.

"Normally, the Norwegians go very hard from the start, and if you want to be there at the finish, you have to drive smart early on."

Once again, Gunnar Melander will take the reins behind his six-time millionaire.

"Since his form was a bit questionable in the SM, I wanted to feel for myself how everything was and if anything needed adjusting. I get the best sense by driving him in a race, and things have gone well when I’ve driven."

Besides winning with Månlykke A.M., Melander also earned a celebrated home-track victory last Saturday with Guldhagens Oscar in the Double Cup final at Bollnäs. There’s no doubt that much of the trotting fans enjoy seeing the veteran in the sulky.

"It’s strange, but a lot of people have said that. It feels like it gives you a boost, and it creates a positive vibe around it. I can’t compare myself with the guys who drive every day, but we do this because it’s fun, and if we can make it as enjoyable as possible, that’s the motivation."

At 78 years old, Melander is no rookie and has collected countless big-race wins over the decades.

"I’ve won quite a few major races with coldbloods, so I know what it takes. As long as I can keep myself in shape, it’s fun to drive."

A fierce coldblood battle awaits at Färjestad, but the conditions are in place for Månlykke A.M. to defend his title.

"We’ll have to drive smart early but still stay in the game. If the trip works out and we get a little luck late, I know he has the capacity. We’re not going there to circle the track—we want to compete."