V75:® Dual chances for Liljendahl in the E3
The Italian horse Expo Wise As was on everyone's lips after the E3 eliminations.
But in the final, he faces his fellow countryman Epsom As.
And the trainer of the latter has far from given up.
"All horses can be beaten" says Reijo Liljendahl.
Bergsåker is the host of V75 this Saturday and besides the STL finals, the first finals of E3 are also on the schedule. They come with a first prize of SEK 1 million and in the colts and geldings final, the likely favorite is Expo Wise As. Alessandro Gocciadoro's colt has never lost when staying trotting and he right now has five straight wins. In his elimination, he outclassed his opponents in a way that brought back memories of Viking Kronos in the 90s, when he crushed his competition and won by open lengths. Reijo Liljendahl does not scare easily, though.
"I'm not saying Gocciadoro's horse is not a very nice horse. He's a fantastic racehorse who has done super and everyone has been impressed by him. But the simple truth is that he now faces better horses than he ever has before. Of course, the same thing goes for our horses, but we will race for it" says the Solvalla trainer in this week's episode of the podcast 'V75 - lördag hela veckan'.
Reijo has Epsom As in the race himself. He was, just like Expo Wise As, born in Italy, and after six starts he has five wins and a second place. He too outclassed the competition in his elimination and Reijo Liljendahl is optimistic going into the final.
"I am not going there to finish second. Our horse has trained well, comes out of the races the right way, and he has actually kept a little longer coat and hasn't been in the right shape for the spring races. But now he has started to lose those long hairs and he's happy and alert and has a great bounce to his stride".
First time barefoot
In the E3 filly final, another starter from the land of pasta will defend the Reijo Liljendahl colors against two Gocciadoro-trained fillies, among others. Eteria (V75-6), with four wins in five career starts, has post position two behind the gate.
"Last time out, she won very easily despite the track being terrible, it was really deep. All is good with her now and she has a good post position. The pace will be high, which is an advantage for her. Same thing there, I think her coat has gotten much nicer and shinier, she looks good and has a good bounce to her stride".
For her, the time has come to find an extra gear.
"I will take a look at her feet at the end of the week and see how they look, but the plan is to race her barefoot all around, and that usually gives them an extra boost, the very first time. I have a feeling it could make a big difference for her".
Reijo Liljendahl has won E3 once before, with Policy Of Truth, in 2016. On Saturday, he could get his second victory.
"It will be an exciting Saturday. We will take care of the horses and train them this week and try to make as few mistakes as possible".