V85®: Chasing the biggest purse check of his training career
SEK 1.5 million to the winner.
Claes Sjöström has never raced for bigger prize money as a trainer.
"Having a horse that can win makes it even more exciting," says the Solvalla trainer.
The Paralympic Trot final.
The Queen's Trophy final.
The King's Trophy final.
In addition to V85 boosted by a jackpot that could give a sole winner SEK 44 million, Åby offers world-class racing.
Claes Sjöström continues to take major strides both as a trainer and a driver. In recent years, he has established himself among the most successful in both categories.
"I’m curious and have a strong drive to keep improving all the time. Of course, you also depend on having good stock to work with. As a driver, you need to drive good horses and compete at the top level—that’s how you get better," says Claes Sjöström.
At the moment, he has several interesting horses in the stable. Three-year-old filly Icy Conditions is unbeaten in five starts this year, and last Friday Olle Sting won one of the eliminations for the King's Trophy and is one of the horses who could win the final on Saturday.
"It feels very exciting, I have to say. I’ve never raced for this kind of money with a horse I train myself."
The Queen's Trophy final.
The King's Trophy final.
In addition to V85 boosted by a jackpot that could give a sole winner SEK 44 million, Åby offers world-class racing.
Claes Sjöström continues to take major strides both as a trainer and a driver. In recent years, he has established himself among the most successful in both categories.
"I’m curious and have a strong drive to keep improving all the time. Of course, you also depend on having good stock to work with. As a driver, you need to drive good horses and compete at the top level—that’s how you get better," says Claes Sjöström.
At the moment, he has several interesting horses in the stable. Three-year-old filly Icy Conditions is unbeaten in five starts this year, and last Friday Olle Sting won one of the eliminations for the King's Trophy and is one of the horses who could win the final on Saturday.
"It feels very exciting, I have to say. I’ve never raced for this kind of money with a horse I train myself."
Stepped up another level
Olle Sting made one start as a two-year-old and won easily, showing the qualities of a nice horse. He started his season early last year and won the Margaretas Tidiga Unghästserie for three-year-old colts and geldings at the end of March. Olle Sting performed consistently throughout the season and earned nearly SEK 900,000.This year he has improved another level and made three starts with strong performances.
"I’m very pleased with how he has started the season. In his seasonal debut he finished strongly, and next time he crossed the line with plenty left. Last time he was even better, and I was very happy with how he got the job done down the stretch."
Will he be even better on Saturday?
"That’s what I expect. The season is long, and I’ve trained him to improve with each start. He feels great after his last start. He has his routines, and I’m very satisfied with where he is."
Have you planned any tactics?
"Well, you have to think ahead even before the draw. Post three is good, and the plan is to try to get past both Zarex and Sven Kuce—I think we have a chance to do that. Both Gangster Vendil and Pure Count are very quick out and have drivers who are sharp from the start, so I don’t know if we can hold them off. I obviously have to leave hard—it’s important to be in the front group. I think it will be difficult for horses coming from far back to win."
Do you intend to make any changes?
"Actually not. Hopefully the season is long, and changes may come later. I’m satisfied with everything with Olle Sting at the moment."
Would you be surprised if you win?
"No, I wouldn’t. He won his elimination quite easily and has a good draw. It’s a very even race—no one really stands out—and I respect several of the opponents. As often in even races, the trip will decide a lot."
You also drive 14 Official Sox (V85-2), who finished second last time out —your impression?
"Wow, the way she closed! She really impressed me, I have to say. She felt fantastic, and I definitely want to warn about her. The draw is tough, and at Åby it’s even harder from a position like that. If things go perfectly, I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up in the mix. If I were betting, she’d be given on my ticket."
Olle Sting made one start as a two-year-old and won easily, showing the qualities of a nice horse. He started his season early last year and won the Margaretas Tidiga Unghästserie for three-year-old colts and geldings at the end of March. Olle Sting performed consistently throughout the season and earned nearly SEK 900,000.This year he has improved another level and made three starts with strong performances.
"I’m very pleased with how he has started the season. In his seasonal debut he finished strongly, and next time he crossed the line with plenty left. Last time he was even better, and I was very happy with how he got the job done down the stretch."
Will he be even better on Saturday?
"That’s what I expect. The season is long, and I’ve trained him to improve with each start. He feels great after his last start. He has his routines, and I’m very satisfied with where he is."
Have you planned any tactics?
"Well, you have to think ahead even before the draw. Post three is good, and the plan is to try to get past both Zarex and Sven Kuce—I think we have a chance to do that. Both Gangster Vendil and Pure Count are very quick out and have drivers who are sharp from the start, so I don’t know if we can hold them off. I obviously have to leave hard—it’s important to be in the front group. I think it will be difficult for horses coming from far back to win."
Do you intend to make any changes?
"Actually not. Hopefully the season is long, and changes may come later. I’m satisfied with everything with Olle Sting at the moment."
Would you be surprised if you win?
"No, I wouldn’t. He won his elimination quite easily and has a good draw. It’s a very even race—no one really stands out—and I respect several of the opponents. As often in even races, the trip will decide a lot."
You also drive 14 Official Sox (V85-2), who finished second last time out —your impression?
"Wow, the way she closed! She really impressed me, I have to say. She felt fantastic, and I definitely want to warn about her. The draw is tough, and at Åby it’s even harder from a position like that. If things go perfectly, I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up in the mix. If I were betting, she’d be given on my ticket."
Note: First prize in the King's Trophy is SEK 1,000,000, and for premium chanced horses there is a 50 percent bonus in prize money.