Russell Williams bred trotter Click Bait fastest in Europe
by Thomas Hedlund
Stefan Melander-trained Click Bait (Cantab Hall—Fun At Parties), bred by Hanover Shoe Farms’ Russell C Williams in Pennsylvania, dominated one of the more interesting spring races in Sweden on Friday (April 2) at Färjestad racetrack.
The $57,300 Hertigen av Värmland, Prins Carl Philips Jubileumspokal for 5-year-olds during the Easter weekend is traditionally a takeoff for potential champion trotters to-be, but to be fair, the race lacked a broad span of top trotters when the 2021 edition was contested. Most of the fans just talked about Don Fanucci Zet, who made his 2021 debut in his first start since the runner-up performance in the Derby in September last year.
Don Fanucci Zet became the heavy favorite in the race, probably since it was expected the 5-year-old Hard Livin son would lead the race early. Don Fanucci Zet did, in fact, open quickly from post 3, but he did not claim the front after Click Bait, driven by Per Lennartsson, simply sprinted to the front before the first turn.
Click Bait and Don Fanucci Zet were both outstanding in the race and the leader never really invited the outside horse for a challenge. The top duo ended the race with an impressive :26.4 finishing quarter, which resulted in a mile rate of 1:52.2 over 1.640 meters.
The 1:52.2 time is the fastest mile rate on a 5/8 mile track in Europe this season and Click Bait will most likely be a factor in the year’s biggest races.
