Elitloppet champion Allegiant draws the rail for Hugo Åbergs Memorial

by Thomas Hedlund

The spotlight turns to Jägersro in Malmö on Tuesday (July 28) for the $320,000 Hugo Åbergs Memorial, and this year’s edition has assembled another outstanding international field.

All eyes will be on Elitloppet champion Allegiant, who will attempt to prove her historic victory at Solvalla was no one-off performance as she renews her rivalry with many of Europe’s top older trotters.

The 5-year-old daughter of Tactical Landing drew the rail with Örjan Kihlström listed to drive for trainer Daniel Redén.

While post one can be advantageous, it also presents challenges in a field loaded with gate speed from the middle of the front row. Asked on Saturday whether Allegiant could be in even better form than she was when winning the Elitlopp nearly two months ago, Redén didn’t hesitate.

“Why not?” he replied.

Tuesday’s program also features the $100,000 Breeders Course Finals for 3-year-olds over 1,640 meters, where leading international trainers Paul Hagoort, Alessandro Gocciadoro, and Michel Rothengatter appear to hold many of the strongest contenders.

FIELD – $320,000 HUGO ÅBERGS MEMORIAL

Allegiant (Örjan Kihlström)

Daim Brodda (Eirik Høitomt)

Luke The Spook (Adrian Kolgjini)

Barack Face (Dante Kolgjini)

Mellby Jinx (Mats E Djuse)

Funny Gio (Alessandro Gocciadoro)

Castor The Star (Magnus A Djuse)

Boscha Diablo (Peter Untersteiner)

Powwow (Lars Anvar Kolle)

Gio Cash (Daniel Wäjersten)

INEXESS BLEU RETURNS TO WINNING WAYS AT ENGHIEN

French star Inexess Bleu made a successful return to action on Saturday (July 25), capturing the $165,000 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère at Enghien in his first start since competing in the Elitlopp at Solvalla in late May.

The Laurent-Claude Abrivard trainee, driven by Alexandre Abrivard, moved to the lead with one lap remaining in the 2,875-meter event after an uneven opening mile. Once on the front, Abrivard was able to back the pace down considerably, with the field reaching the first 1,875 meters in a modest 1:57 mile rate.

The race changed dramatically around the final turn when Hooker Berry (Booster Winner) launched a powerful first-over attack and briefly appeared ready to sweep past the favorite.

But Inexess Bleu (Vittel de Brévol) refused to surrender.

Digging in along the inside through the stretch, the tough gelding fought back gamely to repel all challengers and score in 1:55.1 for the extended distance, showing no lingering effects from his demanding Elitlopp campaign.

Keep Going (Follow You) finished strongly from the pocket to catch Hooker Berry for second right on the wire, while Krack Time Atout (Face Time Bourbon) continued his return to form with a solid fourth-place finish.