V75®: Advantage the mare in the Silver division final
The only mare in the race.
But also, the only Gold division horse.
Decision Maker is one of the possible horses to leave single on the V75® ticket this Saturday as she chases her second final win in the Swedish Trotting League.
When Solvalla hosted the V75® finals during the Christmas holiday, Decision Maker won the Gold division final. After that, she once again beat the boys in V75, in the Silver division. This was possible as the Silver division is open for all open mares. And she won impressively. After a tough first turn three wide when she made a move to sit outside the leader, she then won easily.
"She raced fantastically, no doubt. It was a tough trip for her, but she still got the job done easily," says the six-year-old mare's trainer, Stefan Melander, who does not see any clouds in the sky for the Saturday start.
"All is well after her last start. Despite the terrible weather, we have had good tracks to train on. The horses have not missed out on any training, and she has trained well. I have no complaints."
Same post as last time
Just as in her most recent start, Decision Maker drew post six behind the gate for Saturday. But this time, the distance is 2,140 meters, 500 meters longer than it was in her last start, which can affect the drivers' tactics out of the gate.
"You wouldn't choose post six if you got to choose, but it will be fine. She had the same post position in her last start, but they all leave much faster when it's a sprint race, and hopefully, she can find a spot somewhere. Besides that, I don't think the distance matters for her. She can race at all distances, and she doesn't waste any energy. She will race with blinds and in an American sulky again, and of course, it looks interesting."
Is the stable mate her worst threat?
Decision Maker will be the betting favorite and also heavily used as a V75 bank. If you look at playing with more than one horse, another Stefan Melander trainee might be worth a look. Starting from Decision Maker's immediate inside is her stable mate Xantis Hilton, who is also in top form. Last time out, he hung in strongly as second after a race outside the leader.
"He's in super form. Just like Decision Maker, he also trained today (Monday) and everything seems great with him, too. I think he could end up in the photo."
Could he even be a threat to Decision Maker?
"Maybe, if Decision Maker gets in traffic trouble and he gets a perfect trip. We will see. All is well with both horses."