V75®: Perfect spot for Melander's iron lady
Last time out, she won the Gold division final.
On Saturday, she drops down in class.
It looks like a perfect spot for Decision Maker in V75 at Bergsåker.
Decision Maker (V75-5) seems to enjoy racing in the winter. Between October 2023 and May 2024, she won ten out of twelve starts. Now, she is back in top form. Three starts ago, she was impressive in the Big Noon-pokalen at Bjerke and in her most recent start, she beat the boys in the Gold division final on Boxing Day at Solvalla.
"She was great in Oslo and last time out, Björn (Goop) was super pleased with her when he handed over the lines after the race. I also thought she looked awesome and that was one of her best efforts. It was like 100 years ago a mare last won a Gold division final," says Stefan Melander.
The 6-year-old mare was not far from the best in her crop at age three and four but as an older mare she has really blossomed.
"Her bloodlines could not be better with several millionaires on the dame's (Full Authority) side and Nuncio as the sire but when I drove her in her first start as a 3-year-old, she was a small filly. She must have grown a lot as an older mare. If you look at an American yearling, they won't grow much more but she must have grown a lot between age four and five. She is also a typical horse in the way that I train and race them. It's good that I own her myself and haven't been in a hurry with her".
Fantastic conditions
Decision Maker's record is 16 wins in 48 starts and SEK 3.3 million in earnings. When she starts in V75 on Saturday, a check for SEK 150,000 awaits the winner.
This time, it is not the Gold division, but Silver. The class is open for all mares but closed at SEK 1.8 million in lifetime earnings for horses and geldings.
"I guess it's a form of compensation from Swedish Trotting to the mares. I don't think there is a single mare race for her in two months," says Stefan Melander and admits that it looks very good on paper for Decision Maker on Saturday, where she starts from post position six behind the gate over the sprint distance, 1,640 meters.
"It sure looks good. She is quick enough to get a good position right away. She traveled well to Oslo so, going to Sundsvall should be no problem. She feels great in training and is loving life right now".