Zarex smashes world record in Eskilstuna Derby prep

by Thomas Hedlund

Zarex stamped himself as one of Sweden’s leading Derby contenders Wednesday (July 15) with a sensational, world-record performance in the $60,000 ICA Maxi Eskilstuna Fyraåringstest over 2,640 meters at Eskilstuna.

Driven and trained by Daniel Wäjersten, the son of Readly Express cruised to the front and never faced a serious challenge, stopping the timer in a 1:54.1 mile rate to establish a new world record for 4-year-olds over the distance.

Wäjersten gradually increased the tempo throughout the race, and by the final turn Zarex had disposed of his main rivals. The colt pulled away effortlessly through the stretch, offering an impressive preview of September’s $600,000 Swedish Trotting Derby, which is contested over the same distance.

“He was outstanding,” Wäjersten said. “We kept increasing the pace the entire way. My toughest rivals were right there turning for home, but he simply left them behind. I was a little concerned when the favorite, Perfect Chest, came alongside, but my horse just accelerated again in the stretch. He’s really improved after the winter and has taken another step racing barefoot.”

The previous world record, 1:55.2, was established by Fame And Glory in the same race two years ago before he went on to capture the Swedish Derby.

ELITLOPP CHAMPION ALLEGIANT TUNES UP FOR HUGO ÅBERGS

The biggest ovation of the evening belonged to Allegiant.

Fans at Eskilstuna greeted the reigning Elitlopp champion with spontaneous applause during the post parade as the daughter of Tactical Landing made her final prep for the $320,000 Hugo Åbergs Memorial later this month. Starting from the rail in a $30,000 Diamantstoet division, Allegiant surrendered the lead early to Nephtys Boko, who was sent to the front by Björn Goop. Driver Örjan Kihlström calmly reclaimed the lead after 600 meters, and once on the front end the outcome was never seriously in doubt.

Maharasha mounted a first-over challenge through the final turn, but Allegiant always had the situation under control before drawing clear to score in a 1:54.3 mile rate for 2,140 meters.

“She left the gate well, but Björn came quickly and I didn’t have to use any extra energy getting back to the front,” Kihlström said. “Everything felt comfortable. Maharasha raced very well on the outside, but Allegiant only does what she has to do. She felt exactly the way she’s supposed to. She has incredible gait and tremendous determination.”

The victory sends Allegiant into the July 28 Hugo Åbergs Memorial in peak form.

“This race fit perfectly into her schedule and it’s close to home,” trainer Daniel Redén said while acknowledging the enthusiastic crowd. “What a night. Horses like these are what make our sport special.”

TWO MAJOR STAKES HIGHLIGHT SUNDAY’S ACTION

Sunday’s spotlight shifts to both Finland and Sweden, where two of the weekend’s biggest events will be contested.

At Mikkeli, a stellar group of older trotters will line up in the $155,000 St. Michel-Ajo over the mile.

Hall of Fame driver Örjan Kihlström will bypass the $360,000 Stochampionatet final at Axevalla to partner Don Fanucci Zet, who is expected to start as the favorite after his recent victory in Norway’s Ulf Thoresen Grand International.

Trainer Daniel Redén will also be represented by defending St. Michel champion Double Deceiver, whom he will once again drive himself after drawing an advantageous post 3.

Redén has an opportunity to duplicate last year’s feat by winning major stakes in two different countries on the same day. Last year La Yuca captured the trophy in Stochampionatet while Redén himself drove Double Deceiver to victory in Finland.

Back in Sweden, Kihlström qualified Jiovanha Falkone for the Stochampionatet final before choosing Finland over Axevalla. If Jiovanha Falkone were to win the Swedish classic while Don Fanucci Zet captures the St. Michel, it would mark a remarkable day for the stallion, whose daughter Pamela Boko is also among the 12 finalists.

$360,000 STOCHAMPIONATET FINAL

Pamela Boko (Magnus A. Djuse)

Dats Bella (Claes Sjöström)

Love To The Limit (Björn Goop)

Milady Josselyn (Dante Kolgjini)

Pure Athena (Carl Johan Jepson)

Peggy Boko (Robin Bakker)

Selmina Venit (André Eklundh)

True Identity (Markus B Svedberg)

Jiovanha Falkone (Johan Untersteiner)

Candie Lock (Thomas Dalborg)

Pure Stella (Rikard N. Skoglund)

Meditate (Mats E. Djuse)

$155,000 ST. MICHEL-AJO

Diva Ek (Alessandro Gocciadoro)

Ete Jet (Iikka Nurmonen)

Double Deceiver (Daniel Redén)

Castor The Star (Mika Forss)

Don Fanucci Zet (Örjan Kihlström)

Amanda Evo (Ville Koivisto)

Combat Fighter (Santtu Raitala)

Kuiper (Daniel Wäjersten)