V85®: The journey toward Prix d'Amérique starts now
Daniel Wäjersten is targeting the Prix d’Amérique with his star trotter Borups Victory.
On Saturday, the star horse will make his first start in four months in the Gävle Big Prize.
"The horse is training well and will surely put in a good performance, but he isn't in peak form," says Oskar Florhed.
As fall arrives, we are getting ever closer to the winter meeting in France, where many of the country's best horses will compete over several months.
Daniel Wäjersten has prepared his star Borups Victory over the summer with the world's toughest race, the Prix d’Amérique at the end of January, as his goal. The eight-year-old, who is co-owned by hockey legend Mats Sundin, qualified for the rich race this year, but his connections chose to scratch him because Borups Victory did not feel right during the final preparations.
"It was really disappointing. The horse showed with his third-place finish in the Prix de Bretagne that he can hold his own against the tough competition down there, and we hope he can be involved again this winter," says Oskar Florhed.
V85® takes place at Gävletravet on Saturday, and 1 Borups Victory (V85-4) will make his first start in just over four months.
"Borups Victory feels good, and we are pleased with him in training. He has trained twice in 1:18 in a good way and feels sound and good. Naturally, he isn't in peak form, but he usually performs well after a layoff. The inside post suits him, and everything points to a strong performance."
What is the plan after this start?
"We'll see how he comes out of this race. It hasn't really been decided whether he will make another start in Sweden or head down to France."
Maximum equipment
The stable also has 6 Competivo in the race, and he is approaching peak form.
"He had a good winter in France and is also being prepared to race there this upcoming winter meet. He has one start in his legs and put in a very strong performance somewhat under the radar. He finished with a sharp sprint and will improve considerably from having that start in his legs. On Saturday, he will race with optimal equipment, barefoot all around and an American sulky. Last time, he raced with shoes and a regular sulky. Competivo will put in a good performance and will surely be in contention."
Wäjersten's stable has four more horses on the V85 card, and Oskar Florhed provides the following information.back
"6 Crowe Motion (V85-1) raced as recently as Saturday and put in a really good performance. He was involved in a tough opening and still finished with all his energy left. He races back to back Saturdays now, but since he finished with plenty left last time, that shouldn't be a problem. He is seasoned at the V85 level, and with the right trip, he is an outsider. We won't make any changes, provided the track is in good condition. There are no guarantees at this time of year, as we saw at Solvalla last Saturday."
"12 Ultimate Scotch (V85-3) has been tremendously good lately and is in a good place in his career. He has developed a lot and has also stepped up when he has been able to race without shoes. The long distance is an advantage, and the post position makes it a long shot, but in his case it doesn't matter that much because he isn't fast out of the gate and puts in more effort when he has horses in front of him."
"4 Griffin Kronos (V85-8) was okay last time, although he got a little rough gaited when racing barefoot all around and tired himself out toward the finish. He didn't get a hold of the track and will race with front shoes this time. His form is intact, and he is pretty good for his class and can surely be well up there, as long as he doesn't end up first over without cover."
"10 Monte Rei (V85-8) looked very good when winning last time. It was his first start with an American sulky, pullout earplugs and a blind bridle, and the horse put in a different effort than before. He was on the lead then; the circumstances are different this time, and I hope he puts in just as much effort from behind and trots better around the turns. The horse is in good shape and will surely put in a good performance."