V75®: Could be a brilliant day for "Affe" at Jägersro
After having battled against the elite the entire season, A Fair Day has now won three in a row, at home at Kalmar Racetrack.
This Saturday, the fan favorite returns to V75® from a perfect post position — and brings his little brother to Jägersro.
"They are ready and I think they can't wait for Saturday," says trainer and owner Elisabeth Almheden.
On Saturday, they are back in the V75® spotlight.
The popular brothers A Fair Day and Maroon Day will carpool to Jägersro. Their trainer and owner Elisabeth Almheden has just come in from the stable when we reach her on the phone, this Monday morning. She has good things to report.
"Yes, I was just out with the boys. We mostly walked them today for about 1 1/2 hours and they felt so good, but they want to trot. They are ready and I think they can't wait for Saturday," says Lisa.
2 A Fair Day (V75-3) closed out last year by winning the Breeders Crown and kick-started this year with a win in Prins Carl Philips Jubileumspokal at Färjestad. The 5-year-old became "Affe" with the Swedish people and was invited to Elitloppet. He made an early break there and despite good efforts in his next starts against some of the best trotters in the world, he did not have much success.
In the last few weeks, the triple millionaire has returned to the winner circles — three times in a row.
A Fair Day has been perfect at home in Kalmar.
Your horse indeed seems to enjoy racing against some easier competition than usual?
"Absolutely. The easier competition and racing at his home track have made him feel good. I believe they need that feeling sometimes, it can be that way when they race against the elite all the time, and from bad post positions, on top of it all. It's not easy and could stay in their heads, I don't think it has affected him, but still".
Finally a good post - perfect
This Saturday, A Fair Day returns to the spotlight, when V75 comes to Jägersro.
The traditional C.L. Müllers Memorial is the feature of the afternoon. After having terrible luck with the draw for a long time, "Affe" drew a perfect position behind the gate. As always, Oscar Ginman does the driving.
"He feels great, alert and sound. We were so happy to see him draw well this time, he has had such bad luck for a long time. But I'm very grateful for post two, it will be fine unless something strange happens, it’s perfect".
The game plan is not that hard to figure out, right?
"No, I guess it isn't. But that's up to Oscar, he does that best".
He has won both on 3,140 meters and 1.640 meters lately. This is a long distance race again.
"He is good regardless. My horse is both strong and quick and the long distance this time is no problem. It would be foolish not to be optimistic now, but I'm grateful for whatever he gets," says the trainer and adds that her horse will race barefoot all around again.
What is the plan after the Saturday start?
"I haven't thought much about that. We will see if there will be any more V75 starts for him, but at some point, there will be some turnout time. They need that".
Maroon Day never felt better
A Fair Day won't make the trip to Jägersro alone.
His little brother 10 Maroon Day (V75-4) will join him. The 4-year-old has also proven to be a talented racehorse. He has won twice in V75 already this year, but last time out in a Breeders Crown leg at home in Kalmar, he made a break in the last turn.
"Yes, that was unfortunate. He is very good right now; I don't think he has ever felt better. So, it was a bummer. I thought he would for sure be top four and go through to the semifinals, and then he broke. It is what it is. It was a bit tight there in the turn and the horse was too fresh".
V75 instead of the Breeders Crown semifinals. He must have had plenty left in his last start?
"Yes, he sure did. In that sense, it was a good race for him. I think starting in the second tier will be fine and post ten isn't that bad. We tried him in an American sulky last time out and it made him very quick so we will race him in that again. But we keep the shoes on him, as always".
Returning home from Jägersro with two wins is not impossible, then?
"Yes, I think that would be nice. You have to believe in your animals, especially now that they are so good. Then, anything can happen. I know that, but normally they should have a chance to win, both of them. It will be exciting," says Elisabeth Almheden, before she is off to feed her boy their well-deserved lunch.