V75® (jackpot): "Leaves fast and has a perfect post position"
Dancing Days was more or less rejected as a racehorse.
For trainer Stephanie Werder, the mare has found her way back and this Saturday she can win on V75.
"She leaves very fast and she has a perfect post position and I have to be optimistic" says the trainer.
Elitloppet kicks off an intense racing schedule where one big race succeeds the other. This Saturday's V75 card was supposed to be raced at Mantorp, but due to the Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) there, the races have been moved to Sundbyholm racetrack in Eskilstuna. They get to take over a very tasteful menu with Ina Scots Ära and Östgötaloppet as the two main attractions. On top of that, last Saturday's V75 was pretty easy to solve, with no payout for five out of seven winners picked and that means that we have a jackpot this Saturday where a sole winner can take home over SEK 53 million.
The Jägersro licensed amateur trainer Stephanie Werder chooses to make the long trip from Malmö to Eskilstuna with 1 Dancing Days (V75-5) who fits the class perfectly.
"Yes, she fits the class perfectly with only SEK 200 under the limit before she has to go up one class. I had this race or a race in Tingsryd in two weeks to choose between. She felt so good in training last Friday that I chose this one. Luckily, she drew well and that helps".
For most trotting fans Stephanie J Werder is relatively unknown. She is among the better monté jockeys in the country and she has also had some success driving. She runs a smaller stable with four horses and has another job apart from the horses.
"I have just started a new job, which feels very exciting. I work with marketing for Lyckegård and my calendar is packed. I prefer having a few quality horses over quantity".
Only gets a harness on when she races
The fact that Dancing Days is racing on V75 is an accomplishment in itself, the trainer did not see that coming a year ago.
"No, she was really bad and we couldn't find out why. I have had her for a year and a half and the beginning was no fun. We finally found out that she had Lyme disease and her entire body was sore. Luckily, she responded well to the treatment and after that, she's been nothing but good".
What type of horse is she?
"She's a real lady and she is the one in charge, a mare with a strong will, and at the same time, she is very talented. If you start chasing her with the whip, she will just stop, so she sure is special".
How do you train her?
"As of December, I only ride her in training. The only time I put a harness on her is when she goes out to race, I even warm her up under saddle".
What is her best asset?
"Her ability to leave the gate. She is incredibly quick, a real sprinter".
How do you assess her chances on Saturday?
"The conditions are right for her. She is very quick out of the gate and she drew well and has a good driver. She felt very good when I trained her last Friday and I have to be a little bit optimistic".