Diva Ek takes first step toward Elitloppet
by Thomas Hedlund
The opening leg of the E-Series, a points-based series leading to a spot in the Elitloppet at Solvalla in May, was contested at the same venue on Saturday (March 28).
First to collect maximum points was Alessandro Gocciadoro’s Diva Ek (Trixton), who proved strongest from the outside of the leader, Mellby Jinx, winning in a 1:54.2 mile rate over 2,140 meters in the $110,000 C Th Ericssons Memorial.
Diva Ek, runner-up in the Yonkers International Trot last fall, is a top-class mare who would be a very worthy contender in the Elitloppet.
A total of seven races will be held in the series, with horses accumulating points toward qualification. The top two in the standings will earn automatic berths behind the gate on the final Sunday of May.
Solvalla also handed out a third invitation, awarding a coveted “pink ticket” to Jörgen Westholm, trainer of Jobspost (Readly Express), who must be considered something of a dark horse in this elite contest.
Previously, both Go On Boy and Inexess Bleu had already received invitations to the late-May showpiece.
WISE GUY IMPRESSES IN REDÉN DEBUT
World-record holder Wise Guy (Face Time Bourbon) made his first start for Daniel Redén in the $65,000 Margaretas Early Young Horse Series for 4-year-old colts and geldings at Solvalla on Saturday (March 28).
After taking command down the backstretch, the talented 4-year-old cruised to a comfortable victory in a 1:57 mile rate over 2,140 meters.
Transferred from Per Nordström to Redén during the winter, Wise Guy made his seasonal debut from a favorable post behind the gate. He showed good early speed, though not enough to challenge for the lead initially, as Gangster Vendilblasted to the front when the gate released the field.
After taking over the lead following 650 meters, Wise Guy dictated a controlled pace and always looked in command. However, Pure Count (Googoo Gaagaa) finished rapidly and appeared dangerous midway down the stretch, but Wise Guy responded well and held on to secure the 300,000 SEK winner’s purse.
MY CREATION TOUGHEST AMONG FILLIES
Parked three-wide for 800 meters, then moving to the outside of the leader — and seemingly beaten with 300 meters to go — it didn’t matter for My Creation (Hohneck), who proved the toughest in the $65,000 Margaretas Early Young Horse Series for 4-year-old fillies.
Rikard N. Skoglund could not get Katja Melkko’s filly away particularly fast at the start, forcing her to race wide before advancing to the death seat after 800 meters.
Leader Bonsse Garde (Makethemark) looked strong in her seasonal debut and had a firm grip on the race turning for home. But in mid-stretch she began to tire, while My Creation refused to yield and surged past to win in a sharp 1:55.4 mile rate over 2,140 meters.
BAZIRE CLOSING IN ON COMEBACK
Top French driver and trainer Jean-Michel Bazire has not been seen on the track since a training accident in early January.
Now, however, a return appears imminent.
In the latest episode of Les Infos de Nico, his son Nicolas Bazire provided an update on the stable’s horses — and shared encouraging news about his father’s recovery.
“JMB has undergone several examinations over the past week, and the results look good,” Nicolas said. “He’s doing well, both physically and mentally. The plan remains unchanged, and he is expected to be back in the sulky over the Easter weekend in Royan.”
