by Thomas Hedlund

Dutch trainer Erwin Bot had a successful day at Jägersro on Saturday (Nov. 23), when the biggest race for 2-year-olds in Sweden was held. The $240,000 Uppfödningslöpning, over 1,640 meters, included a fresh Swedish record-holder in Per Nordström’s Eyeofthetiger, but the big favorite didn’t like the sloppy winter track in Malmö and Eyeofthetiger went off-stride in the first turn.

Bot trained Eol, driven by Robin Bot opened quickly for the lead and Robin tried to shake his opponents off in the last turn. Robin really stepped on the pedal and Eol got several lengths advantage as the field turned for home.

What Robin knew was that stablemate Pele Boko (Readly Express) sat in the position behind him, but when Eol flew away for that big lead, Pele Boko had problems with his gait and driver Örjan Kihlström really had to show a big register from his bank of skills, helping Pele Boko continuing trotting.

And when Kihlström untied the knot behind his horse, Pele Boko started the attack, chasing his stable mate Eol, who looked to be the winner of the event.

Pele Boko succeeded in his attempt and Eol was disarmed just before the wire in a mile rate of 1:58.3 and Erwin could enjoy his afternoon in Malmö since Eol held on for the silver.

HOHNECK SON BEST IN PARIS

Philippe Allaire’s Hohneck, still racing with success, has his first crop of progeny at the tracks this fall and in Saturday’s (Nov. 23) $65,000 Prix Timoko for 2-year-olds, Hohneck’s son Monzon Normand, trained by Allaire of course, was victorious for driver Yoann Lebourgeois.

Replay here.

This was Monzon Normand’s fourth win in six starts and Hohneck’s future in the breeding business seems bright.

The 2-year-old fillies battled in the $65,000 Prix Vourasie and the big favorite Marion d’Atout (Ready Cash) outshined her opponents after a very slow-paced race, where Marion d’Atout controlled on the front for driver David Thomain.

Replay here.

Sébastien Guarato’s well-bred trotter is undefeated after three starts in her career. With siblings like Eridan, Krack Time Atout and Gunilla Atout, Marion d’Atout has some pressure to handle.

Speaking of Krack Time Atout. Guarato’s 4-year-old tried the older elite in the Prix de Bretagne last Sunday (Nov. 17), but after the race it was announced that the horse has a fracture in a hind leg and will therefore miss the rest of the French winter meeting.