V85® (super jackpot): Pihlström trying new equipment in Orebro Int'l
Top-class trotting and a super jackpot await when Örebrotravet hosts V85® on Saturday.
In the feature race Orebro Int'l, the joker Jonte Godiva can challenge the favorites.
"I think you can expect a very good performance from him," says trainer Markus Pihlström.
No one managed to find the correct combination when V85® was raced in Bollnäs last Saturday. That means the jackpot millions already in the pool for eight correct picks roll over, and a sole winner on Saturday could collect a staggering SEK 73 million. That super jackpot, combined with a high-quality trotting card, gives Saturday all the ingredients to be a real highlight for betting and trotting enthusiasts.
Travels 440 kilometers one way with one horse
The Silver Division, featuring among others Fine Manners and Maroon Day, could be something special, and the third elimination of Paralympiatravet has attracted horses like Kentucky River and Bicc’s Tobee. But the real highlight is the stamina test Orebro Int'l over three laps. There, crowd favorite A fair Day starts with a 40-meter handicap behind the winning machine Speed Change – and the outsider Jonte Godiva (V85-8). The youngest horse in the field is a typical wildcard.
"He is a very good horse who is improving all the time. He is only four years old and trotted a low 1:12 time as a three-year-old, so of course he is a very good horse," says Markus Pihlström.
The Bergsåker-based trainer makes the 440-kilometer journey from Sundsvall to Örebro with one horse.
"He is not entered in any four-year-old stakes and since he is a very good and strong horse, I think this fits him well."
"The distance is an advantage"
Jonte Godiva has only made one start on the long distance. Last fall, he finished third over 2,640 meters at Bergsåker after being parked out for most of the race. Most recently he comes from an impressive win outside the leader over middle distance.
"Considering his strength, I think the distance is an advantage. Sure, it is the first time over 3,100 meters so we will see, but it feels good beforehand."
Ulf Ohlsson drives Jonte Godiva and will guide the four-year-old from post six, the inner of the so-called spring posts, on the starting distance.
"The volt start was a bit tricky for him last year but he has matured a lot over the winter, so it would be strange if there are any problems from a perfect starting position. I would be surprised if he causes issues for himself, but I cannot be completely certain."
"I do not know if he can take the lead, but there are usually no real fast leavers over 3,100 meters and Ohlsson is good at timing the start. In races like this you do not drive conservatively, and if the horse gets away well, he should try to get as far forward as possible."
Tries new equipment for the first time
Jonte Godiva will race without hind shoes for the first time this year, and Markus Pihlström is making another interesting equipment change.
"He will race with pull-out earplugs for the first time in his career. The first time we removed the earhood was in his most recent start. He tends to be a bit lazy, so I think these equipment changes could have a good effect."
Can he win?
"It's hard for me to know, and to say that we are going to win Orebro Int'l with a four-year-old would be sticking my neck out too far. I just know that I have a very talented horse who is on the way up, and I think you can expect a very good performance from him. How far that will take him, others can judge."