V86®: "He's a pure frontrunner"
Eric Martinsson has two hot contenders when V86® comes to Vaggeryd
"It looks interesting on paper for both Porter and Stepping Dreamboy," says the Axevalla-based trainer.
Harness racing is in full swing, and after an intense Midsummer weekend, the STL Summer Trot continues and makes a stop in Vaggeryd on Wednesday with V86®. The track is located just south of Jönköping and offers a loaded race card. In addition to the fan favorite, the Smålandstayern, a tough 3,600-meter race with horses starting over four distances, the racecard also features five divisions of the Swedish Trotting League, including a strong leg of the STL Bronze division.
Like many other horse trainers, Eric Martinsson spent Midsummer working and racing.
“We had horses racing both Saturday and Sunday. Otherwise, it’s been pretty quiet, and we celebrated the way we wanted. The weather’s been good, and we hope it stays that way.”
The Axevalla trainer is heading to Vaggeryd with a mission. He’s bringing four horses and has high hopes for two of them.
“Both Porter and Stepping Dreamboy drew good post positions, which is essential if you’re going to have any real chance. At Vaggeryd, it’s important to be up front.”
Can trot at high speed for a long time
First up is the already mentioned 1 Porter (V86-1), who has made a strong comeback this year.
“He started promisingly as a three-year-old and won his debut, but after that, most things went wrong. We decided to have his throat operated on, and that turned out well. He has really found his stride lately and seems to be improving all the time. Last time at Solvalla, the pace was extremely fast, and he finished strongly. In the start prior, he won very easily with lots left despite leaving at 1.07 speed.”
“He’s quick out of the gate, and I’d love to see him in the lead. The distance is not a problem; he has shown that he can trot at high speed for a long time and has good stamina. No changes this time, and I think he has a pretty good chance, even though there are a few strong opponents in the race that I fully respect.”
Also, in the same race is 2 Rolyman (V86-1), who is not among the favorites.
“And he shouldn't be. The vet recently treated him, and the horse feels good, but I don’t think he’s ready to do anything significant here. These are very suitable conditions for him, though, so I thought we might as well race him here. I hope he can get a ground-saving trip along the pylons and make some money.”
Going for the lead
It also looks good on paper for 14 Dats Summertime (V86-2), although the conditions are more challenging.
“Yes, it's a handicap and a lot of horses to pass. The horses on the starting distance haven’t made that much money, which is to our advantage, but from experience, it’s tough to go around a big field this time of year when the pace is high. Doing it at Vaggeryd is even harder.”
“She’s in excellent form and is at her best when she can save ground on the inside, like last time. I’m sure she’ll put in a solid effort, but winning might be a bit of a stretch.”
On the contrary, 4 Stepping Dreamboy (V86-7) drew well and has fitting conditions.
“Finally, he has a post where he could get to the lead. He’s a pure frontrunner, even though I think he’s improved at racing from behind. He's in very good form. Last time out, he had a terrible post at Åmål but still raced very well. Three starts ago, he won easily in a good time from the lead at Mantorp, and his form is at least as good now.”
“The plan is to go for the lead, and I hope, and believe, he can stay there, even though it's a tough race, as it always is at this level. No changes.”