V75® (jackpot): Elias believes in a fifth straight win
It is easy to like the winning machine Likeaboss.
On Saturday, he starts on V75® and he is chasing his fifth consecutive win.
"He's a wonderful horse to drive and I think we have a great chance to win". says the driver Elias Strandberg.
Everyone likes a winner and many has taken a liking to Per Lindqvist's Likeaboss.
"I also like him a lot. It's an experience to drive Likeaboss" says the driver Elias Strandberg.
Strandberg has driven the horse six times and won five, including his last four starts.
"I am so grateful that Per is giving me the chance and that he has confidence in me. I have driven horses who have made more money and who have won bigger races but looking at which class he races in, this is the best horse I have driven".
"I am already over SEK 200,000 in earnings this year and mostly thanks to him and I put myself down as available much more now at the racetracks. A few years ago I had heart issues and then I broke my hand which kept me off the tracks for a few months. I work for my girlfriend Johanna K Karlsson and we have made some changes in the stable which has made me being able to drive more".
On Saturday, there are STL finals on V75® and Likeaboss is the likely favorite after an impressive win in his leg. The talk after the race evolved around Likeaboss' reaction when Elias pulled the earplugs out of the horse's ears.
"Yes, it's incredible, he can feel tired and uninspired the entire race, but when I pull the earplugs he really grabs the bit and then he is all heart. Makes you wonder how long it's going to have that effect on him, it feels just as good every time and I hope it keeps going. There are other things we haven't tried yet as far as equipment goes. Blind bridle, barefoot and American sulky are all things we still have left to try".
Good for him to get tired once
After his V75 win two starts ago, Likeaboss went on to win easily in a cheaper race at Örebro.
"He actually had to work hard for that win and he got a bit tired. The track wasn't very good for him and it made him tired. It was actually good that he had to get tired once and I think he needed that before the final, and in order to develop as he is going through the classes it's also needed".
How much do you like his chances on Saturday?
"I like his chances a lot. Per is not only good at training the right way, he knows exactly when the horses are good and he has a great feeling for it and Likeaboss will be even better this time. He is not very quick in the start, but now we drew a good post and I'm happy with that, of course. I have talked to Per and he is still happy with him. Likeaboss has shown that he doesn't need a certain trip, he can do some work himself in a race. Everything seems good".