Inför V86® (jackpot): Roger has a good feeling about his undefeated talent
Two starts – two easy wins.
In Margaretas Tidiga Unghästserie, Roger Walmann aims high with the promising S.G.Empress.
"Of course, it's a tougher field this time, but I still have a good feeling," says the Solvalla trainer.
As Solvalla splits the hosting duties of V86 this Wednesday with the Norwegian track Bjerke, the youngsters are in the spotlight at Sweden's national arena.
On the card, we find the third leg of Margaretas Tidiga Unghästserie for both 3- and 4-year-olds, the four races make up Solvalla's half of the V86® card.
The legendary Solvalla trainer Roger Walmann has trained and managed several great young horses over the years.
He now has a new a new promise in the making.
4 S.G.Empress (V86-6) has only made two career starts so far, but the daughter of Readly Express has won both her starts easily.
"She has raced well both times, it's still early in her career, but she has shown a great attitude and strength so far," says Roger Walmann.
It sure looked like she was far from empty in her most recent start?
"Yes, it seemed so. She won very easily. I can't say that I analyzed every inch of the race with Örjan Kihlström, but from the side, it looked great".
Even if the 3-year-old filly is just getting her career started, the future looks bright for S.G.Empress.
The chestnut filly is a half-sister to the one year older S.G.Dracarys, who during her first season on the racetrack made over SEK 2 million and finished second in an E3 final.
On Wednesday, it's time for the little sister to try her luck against tougher competition in "Margaretas".
"It's obviously a tougher field this time for her, but I still have a good feeling. I have to, with a filly like her. They are all at the beginning of their careers, so you never know who is the best, but as I said, I have a good feeling and that's why I entered, even if I don't take anything for granted. We also drew well; even if she doesn't get the lead, she should get a good start and a good trip".
One can assume that this is a filly you believe has a good future ahead of her?
"Believing is something you do in church, said my old school teacher. Believing doesn't help much, they have to prove it on the track, but of course, we have hopes for her. As long as she keeps showing she's good. I can't say that I have a set race schedule for her yet, first she has to come out of this race the right way, then there is Breeders Crown and E3, and that's almost an unlimited number of races".
Hopeful for the 4-year-olds
Walmann has two starters in the division for 4-year-old horses and geldings.
5 Flotilla(V86-2) showed lots of talent already last year but, at the end of the season, things went south. When he returned to the racetrack after almost six months, he raced well in his most recent start.
"Flotilla had a lot of bad luck in his return, but the effort was great. He was taken off the gate but had to make an early move when the horses in front of him couldn't follow, so with that in mind, I think he raced well and I count on him improving with that start in his legs. I think he is one of the better horses in this race. Barefoot upfront this time, which is a big plus for him".
Is Flotilla also a very talented horse?
"Yes, he got sick last year and we had to do throat surgery on him, but he showed before he got sick, that he was very good. He won a Breeders Crown leg at Jägersro and was very impressive. He has a lot within himself, but he needs to prove it too".
What about 9 Freako (V86-2), who made a break in his most recent start, but looked fantastic in his seasonal debut?
"Freako is not a bad horse, either. There's not much to say about his most recent start, things just went wrong, but his seasonal debut was great and with some racing luck, he could beat many down the stretch. Post nine might not be all that bad for him and you could say that the one who gets the best trip of my two starters, will also finish ahead".
These are two horses you have high hopes for this year?
"Yes, I already had, last year. But we have to get them this year instead," says Roger Walmann.