V85®: Local hope hard to catch in Bergsåker Winter Trot
Last summer, he set a Swedish record.
Now he is even better.
Shogun R.R. could be hard to catch in the Bergsåker Winter Trot.
"Capacity-wise, he could have started with those who are 40 meters behind," says Oskar Florhed, assistant trainer in the Daniel Wäjersten stable.
On Saturday, the fifth edition of the long-distance race Bergsåker Winter Trot will be decided. Shogun R.R. (V85-7) is the big local hope after giving positive signals in his first start following a training period earlier this month. He left his opponents early and sailed away to a dominant victory.
"It may have looked a little better than it actually was because the others pretty much just raced for second, but he was good, and we were super happy with how he trotted," says Oskar Florhed.
Saturday’s feature in Bergsåker is a handicap race over 2,640 meters, with 15 starters spread across three distances competing for a first prize of SEK 400,000. Shogun R.R. starts from the starting distance, and 40 meters behind starts perhaps his toughest rival, High on Pepper. Oskar Florhed, however, does not fear the opposition. As long as Shogun R.R. handles the start.
"We have aimed at this race for a few months, and with his last start in his legs, we have him where we want him. The circle start is the only question mark. You have to hold him together for the first steps, so there won’t be a fast start, but as long as he gets away, he should have a very good chance. Capacity-wise, he could have started with those who are 40 meters behind. We respect the opponents, but wouldn’t trade horses with anyone. He has a very good attitude and can trot fast for a very long time."
Better than he has ever been
Shogun R.R. has won 11 of his 22 starts, and last summer, he set a Swedish record for four-year-olds, 1:13.3 over 3,140 meters. Those speeds may be difficult to reach in midwinter, but performance-wise, Oskar Florhed believes the horse can deliver at least as good a race on Saturday.
"The weather forecast says there will be some snow, so it probably won’t be top conditions or any Swedish record, but he is better now than he has ever been. He has done a lot of uphill training during the winter, and the way he looked last time, he has also sharpened his gait."
"Incredibly fast from the start"
In addition to a red-hot win candidate in the Bergsåker Winter Trot, the Wäjersten stable sends out three horses in the Silver Division. Oskar Florhed believes he himself could sit behind the winner, in the form of Zaxton (V85-5) from post one behind the gate.
"It’s perfect conditions for him. 1,600 meters is his absolute favorite distance; he has won his last two starts over 1,600, and now he hasn’t been in the lead for a very long time. We have been very cautious with him from the start, but now we put the blind bridle back on and leave as fast as possible. He is incredibly fast from the start when you ask him," says Florhed.
Those who follow Saturday’s races remember that he caused a big upset with Zaxton on V85® at Bergsåker in November, but in his most recent start, the team had to settle for fifth behind stablemates he faces again, August Zonett and Kingen Mearas.
"I raced him very tough after a break in stride two starts ago, and therefore, he got a more cautious setup and a positive experience last time. The form is good, and it’s been a long time since he had such a good post. I think at least that he will lead for a long time."
Dangerous with pace
Kingen Mearas won from the lead when the stable trio met last time, but since the draw this time gave him number eleven, he faces a really demanding task.
"He was very good last time. Two starts ago, he was a bit flat, but he had just come home from France, and the trip may still have been in his legs. But last time out, he won quite easily, and he has shown that he is good from behind as well. It might be a bit tougher now over 1,600 meters, but if there is a good pace in the race, he is not out of it. He may race with a pull-down bridle this time, and I think that’s the first time. He has raced with a can't-see-back bridle in some starts."
August Zonett, who finished fourth last time, also had no luck with the draw and starts from post seven.
"He has been parked outside the leader three times in a row, but hopefully he can get some cover now. He has as good form as he can have, and third or fourth is probably a realistic placing to expect for him."