V86: Dalborg visits with an interesting duo
Thomas Dalborg is a rare guest at Solvalla.
On Wednesday, he makes an exception and has two chances in V86.
"I'm coming with two horses that I hope are good enough," says the Axevalla trainer.
Thomas Dalborg is based just outside Skara and usually races at the racetracks nearby. He rarely visits Solvalla.
"Racing at Solvalla is tough, and you must have a good horse to make it worth the trip there. It takes almost five hours one way," says Thomas Dalborg.
When V86 is split between Solvalla and Jägersro this Wednesday, he makes an exception and brings two horses with different conditions to the nation's capital.
"I'm coming with two interesting horses, and both should go on the ticket. That's my feeling."
Fast in training
The first one to race is 1 Teton Okey Credit (V86-2), who makes her first start for the Axevalla trainer.
"She came to us in good shape, and after a check-up by the veterinarian, she has trained and has felt good. I have trained her at the track once and let her trot in 1:13.5/1,600 meters with a good bounce to her stride across the finish line."
What type of horse is she?
"She is a pretty big mare with a good attitude. She has won three out of six starts this year and likes to win. I have every reason to be hopeful about her future."
Can she leave fast?
"I honestly don't know. It feels like she should be able to leave, and I will try to get the lead. That's plan A, at least. If I succeed, I will race her there."
What type of equipment will she race with?
"I will race her with shoes behind, a pull-off earhood, which will be the first time, she has raced with a set earhood before. I will also put her in the FinnTack sulky; she hasn't raced in one of those before."
What do you think of her chances?
"She is in tougher now than she has been before, but it feels like she's pretty good for her class, and I hope we are fighting for the win."
Feels great
For 7 Teton Hillcon (V86-8), it will be the first time racing over the long distance.
"I don't think that will bother him. He is strong and tough in every way."
What do you think about his effort last time out in V75?
"I was pleased. We were locked in around the last turn and didn't get out until we reached the stretch, and he closed fast with full speed across the finish line. I never used the pull-down bridle on him."
He was scratched once after that start, why?
"He had a temperature the day before he was supposed to race at Solvalla, so I had to scratch him. To be picky, there might be too much time between starts, but he feels great. I have a good horse who always closes well, and with some racing luck, he could also end up in the photo. No changes on him."