V75®: Morten's promise looking to start a new winning streak
The nice winning streak ended in his most recent start, but the trainer is still just as pleased with his horse.
Spike M.M. is Morten Waage's new hope on the racetracks. He now tries his luck in V75®.
He was once the caretaker of Sugarcane Hanover. After also having worked for Stig H Johansson for many years, he had great success with horses like the ten-time millionaire Beanie M.M. Today, Morten Waage only trains two horses.
But 2 Spike M.M. (V75-2) has already caused some headlines.
The horse started his racing career with four straight wins before his first loss came in his most recent start, back in early March. He got a tough trip parked out by the leader and race winner, Relevant Stride, a horse who has piled up wins.
"Yes, he had to leave fast and spend the entire race parked outside the leader, so that was fine, we were happy with him and he was just as good as in his previous starts," says Morten Waage.
Spike M.M. is now five years old and an offspring of the trainer's old star trotter Beanie M.M. and he seems to have inherited many of his sire's great qualities. He got a late start to his racing career, last fall, after a lot of problems in his early years.
"We qualified him already as a 2-year-old and he felt great then, but then he suffered a stress fracture and other issues along the way that have kept him away from training. But now we have gotten him going and it seems like we are on the right path. We hope, of course, that he has a lot undone on the racetrack, but I have been in the business for many years and I know you also need some luck".
Leaves fast – perfect post position
With only five lifetime starts, the connections try their luck at V75 this Saturday.
The gelding makes the trip to Sundsvall to get in the spotlight in a leg of Class 2.
"He feels good. He has trained nicely after his last start and I have a good feeling. Now it's V75 and that's exciting, we will see, of course, it's tougher but we have to give it a try".
He has proven to be fast behind the gate and he drew well. What are your thoughts?
"Yes, we drew post two and that's perfect for him. In the overnights, he's been very fast, but we will see what happens now. In V75, there are usually many that can leave fast. We are grateful for the post and of course, we have to try to leave with him. The short distance is no disadvantage, he is good in the start, so the worst he can sit is probably in the pocket".
Are you planning any changes on him?
"No, no changes. He will race with shoes, a regular style sulky, and an open bridle. We will save those extra gears for later," says Morten Waage.