V86®: On his way to his 13th driving championship on the island
Claes Sjöström dominates as driving champion at Visby Racetrack.
On Wednesday, he returns to chase more wins as V86® heads to the island.
“I think both You Bow To None and Jerka Sting should be considered,” says the Solvalla trainer.
The V86® summer tour drops anchor this Wednesday on the island of Gotland. It’s time for Visby Racetrack’s biggest racing day of the year, offering top-class trotting action. Among the highlights are the Gotland Race, the Ringmuren Race, and four qualifying heats in the Breeders Crown.
"It’s a fantastic race day with a wonderful atmosphere. You can feel it even in town—there’s something special going on. Gotland in the summer is a real treat," says Claes Sjöström, who often competes on the island.
The Solvalla-based trainer knows every inch of the Visby track and has claimed the driving championship twelve times, nine years in a row.
"It’s looking good this year, too, even though there are still several race days left. As long as I can keep traveling there regularly, it should work out. I really enjoy racing there—the races are contested a bit differently, and several of the drivers only race at Visby. I have a big advantage thanks to the number of races I drive."
On Wednesday, Sjöström brings six horses, five of which are competing in the V86, and all are in top form.
"We had some problems with infections in early summer and some sick horses. But over the past two or three weeks, things have felt good again, and the horses are showing strong form."
Found her stride this year
12 Elusive Brodda (V86-1) has really found her stride this year.
"She struggled a bit with her gait last year but has improved a lot recently. Last time out, she gave me a solid effort and was at least as good as when she won. She came out of that race feeling great. She has earned a lot of money in a short time, so the competition is getting tougher. She has a bad post position this time—I would’ve preferred four horses on the starting distance and nine with the 20-meter handicap. It will be hard to go around them for the win, even though she’s in great shape."
Three-year-old 2 You Bow To None (V86-3) finally has a good post position.
“Yes, it’s perfect, and I’m going to leave hard from the start. If I reach the lead, I’m likely to stay there. Last time, he was a bit aggressive behind the gate and hesitated, so we ended up at the back. The race had no pace, but he finished well, and I was very pleased with him. This race looks interesting, no doubt."
The label "veteran warrior" certainly fits 9 Jerka Sting (V86-6).
"Absolutely, that’s exactly what he is. He rarely, if ever, puts in a bad performance. I was very pleased with him last time out and believe he’ll be even better now with that start in his legs. The draw leaves us at the mercy of what the others do. I’m hoping for a strong pace so we can get into the mix. He’ll race with front shoes this time, which is a slight negative. But with some luck, we should be right up there."
In the Ringmuren Race (V86-7), 15 Micke Sting will race three laps.
"He shouldn’t have any problem with the distance. He’s racing in a tough class right now. He’s not very quick-footed and struggles to keep up. Last time, he trotted in 1:11 over middle distance and still finished eighth—it’s tough competition, plain and simple. He’s sensitive to tempo changes, and I hope this kind of race will toughen him up. If things go right, he might finish third or fourth, but winning feels unlikely."
The draw wasn’t kind to 8 Great Dry Winds (V86-8) this time.
"No, it’s going to be tough. Last time, he got run into by another horse, which was unfortunate—he was in a perfect spot and looked great. The horse is in good shape, but this is a very tough field, and with this post, my expectations are low."
Which one is your best chance?
"I don’t really have a solid winner to give you. But I hope both You Bow To None and Jerka Sting will be in the mix."