V75®: Granlund's duo spices up the Kalmar card
Stefan Granlund is optimistic about the recently started year.
After a couple of months of not so good form in the stable, it is now looking up again.
The trainer has two interesting starters when V75® comes to his home track Kalmar.
The second V75® card of 2023 is being raced at Kalmar racetrack.
A trainer from the home team is Stefan Granlund who has two starters in the last two legs. According to Stefan, the stable is on its way back into form.
"Yes, I really think so. We had a lot of sickness in the stable for a couple of months, but now it feels like we are on the right path. We are looking forward to this year".
Team Granlund is racing the best horse of the stable, 9 Tabasco C.D. (V75-6) on Saturday.
The now seven-year-old millionaire was very successful when he was younger but after having raced in France last winter, he got injured and missed a lot of last year. He is on his way back again, with three starts in his legs.
"He went down to France and raced well a couple of times, but then he injured a suspensory ligament, hence the long layoff. We took him back home and now he is fine again, he has made three starts and we will keep him here at home. France is not on his schedule this winter, but we have many nice races for him here at home and if we can get him as good as we think, then he has some bigger races to race in. We have expectations for this spring and summer".
Will be better this time
Last time out, on New Year's Eve, Tabasco C.D. raced in the silver division, as he does again this week, without impressing. There were some natural reasons though, according to the trainer.
"Tabasco C.D. feels good now, which he didn't when he won at Örebro two starts ago and he scoped sick after the race. That says a lot about his high standards, but at the same time, that start took a lot out of him and he needed that last start. He will be better this time".
He drew post position nine in the second tier. Your thoughts?
"Due to the post position, we hope he can finish top three. Had he been right up at the gate I would have thought he could win it. The trip could also work out from this post, but since he is so quick out of the gate, it kills his chances a bit. An upset chance at best".
Ninja Zon should be considered a win candidate again
Stablemate 5 Ninja Zon (V75-7) did better at Axevalla on New Year's Eve.
The now five-year-old mare was an upset winner. After a quick start, despite starting with a 20-meter handicap, she got a perfect pocket trip and got out at the top of the stretch to win by a nose.
"Ninja Zon was great in her last start and we drew a good post position here. Whether she will race in the lead or let someone go is entirely up to Kevin Oscarsson, but if he puts her on the front she needs a horse next to her so that she tries harder".
She is very quick in the start, but she usually races covered up?
"Yes, she lost her moral for a bit, because she was raced in the lead very often when she was younger and made good money doing so, but it was a bit too much for her. That's why we often let someone go to give her a trip".
How do you like her chances on Saturday?
"She definitely has a chance to win. She is good in the class she is in now".
Finally, are you making any chances on your two starters?
"Both will race in an American sulky this time. We step it up a bit when it's V75 at our home track. I don't think we will make any other changes, but it also depends on the weather, we will see on Saturday" says Stefan Granlund.