V86®: "Will give him one more gear – at least"
Thomas Madsen has always thought highly of Patrick Hangover.
On Wednesday, when V86® comes to Visby, the horse will race shoeless for the first time.
"I hope that will give him one more gear – at least, that's how it feels," says the Kalmar trainer.
The STL Summer Tour steamrolls ahead and there are several great race cards left.
The upcoming schedule includes the Swedish Coldblood Derby, Åby World Grand Prix, and Margareta Wallenius Klebergs Pokal. On Wednesday, there is another expected trot fest as the Visby racetrack Skrubbs hosts V86®. The feature of the evening is the traditional Gotlandslöpningen, but that is only one of several top races on the card.
The Kalmar-based trainer Thomas Madsen takes the ferry to the island with two horses and the draw turned out well for him.
"I screamed yes when I saw that Patrick Hangover drew post one and it was double the joy when Bravo Amore also drew post one. Now we have the chance, at least. It's always tough winning form the second tier when you have to depend on what the opponents do," says Thomas Madsen.
At least one more gear
The 4-year-old 1 Patrick Hangover (V86-3) showed early talent, but his 3-year-old campaign did not turn out the way the connections hoped.
"No, he had problems with his stifles and kept getting sore. After looking for a while, the veterinarian found the reason and, after that, the horse has been able to train and race more continuously. I think he has stepped up to another level lately, especially in the last three starts”.
"He's been first up in four of his last five starts and it was nice to see him get a covered-up trip in his most recent start and he closed well to win the race. That gave him an extra confident boost".
How does he feel after his last start?
"Great, I'm happy with him and I have wanted to race him in V75, this is a Class 2 leg and it looks interesting on paper".
How fast can he leave?
"He can leave well. In his last start he didn't leave as fast as usual, but the driver Stefan Persson thought I had too much weight on him, so that's coming off now".
He is entered barefoot all around, is that how he will race?
"Yes, that's the plan. It will be the first time and I think it will make a big difference; I think it will give him at least one extra gear".
How do you rank him in this race?
"It's a good and even race. I think my horse should be considered a winning candidate".
Hoping to keep up the statistics
1 Bravo Amore (V86-6) is also in good form, but last time out, she made a break shortly after the start.
"She's a bit special and sensitive. The break in her last start was because she hit a knee and broke stride for that reason. She felt good both before the race and after the break and her form should still be good".
Are you making any changes for this start?
"I will change her shoeing a bit and she will have boots on her legs too".
What are your hopes for this start?
"I hope she can end up in the photo. She has a good post position and she can leave fast, should get a good trip and Martin Malmqvist has driven her twice and won both times, so I hope to keep up the statistics".