V85®: Lisa is hoping for a victory dance again

Great Old Dance went on the attack in his most recent start.
On Saturday, the trainer hopes he will show the same form at home.
"I am optimistic. We have been aiming for this, and my horse feels great," says Lisa Skogh.

V85® will be held on Saturday as part of Unionstravet.
It was contested at Färjestad in Karlstad for the first time in 2005, in connection with the 100th anniversary of the dissolution of the union between Sweden and Norway.
Winning this battle carries quite a bit of prestige.
"I think it is a fun concept and initiative. Of course, there is quite a bit of prestige involved, and naturally I hope the Swedish team comes out on top," says Lisa Skogh, who trains one of the card's hottest horses, Great Old Dance.
Before Lisa Skogh obtained her professional trainer's license, she took care of Maharajah for five years and experienced everything and more as a groom.
"Yes, it was an unforgettable time, and something very few people get to experience. My heart warms when I think about him and see all his fantastic offspring."
Since starting her professional training career, things have steadily progressed, and this year the stable has really taken off. In August alone, the stable recorded three wins on V85.
"It is a wonderful feeling when everything works and the horses deliver. We have worked purposefully and want our horses to develop at their own pace and have long careers."

Just the beginning
The big exclamation point is Great Old Dance (V85-8), who was incredibly impressive in his most recent start. Despite a tough uncovered trip outside the leader, he simply pulled away from his rivals in an STL final.
"He was simply awesome. It was the first time he raced barefoot, and it had the desired effect, even though that is not the whole explanation. He has had a little more margin on his side and has been boxed in in a few races, and his confidence has grown stronger and stronger. He is improving more and more, and I hope and believe this is just the beginning."
What is the biggest reason for his development?
"Great Old Dance was very immature as a three-year-old. We let him race a few times so he could gain experience and learn, and he has been allowed to develop at his own pace."

Feels great and has suitable conditions
After a start at Solvalla, we decided to geld him, and since then he has been able to concentrate on racing.
How has he come out of his most recent race?
"Very well, he still feels great. He had a tough race and needed to recharge, and after that we have had this race in mind. I absolutely have nothing to complain about."
He has a good post position, can he take advantage of it?
"I think so, he is fairly quick in the volt start. There aren't that many horses on the starting circle, and he should get a good position."
Does the long distance concern you?
"Oh no, he is strong and I see that only as a positive. Great Old Dance could trot all day, at least that's how it feels."
Are you changing anything?
"He will race with shoes this time. I don't think that should make a big difference. If you just look at his effort with shoes two starts ago, it shouldn't be a big difference."
How do you assess his chances?
"I am optimistic. We have prepared for this, the horse feels great and has suitable conditions."

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