V75® (Sunday): "Let's forget that start"
In Elitloppet most things went wrong for Best Ofdream Trio.
On Sunday, when V75® goes to Bjerke, Norway, the connections are hoping for quick revenge.
"Let's forget that start. I think it looks good and I believe in my horse" says trainer Erik Killingmo.
Best Ofdream Trio was the up-and-coming horse last year with some stunning performances on V75®. All while racing with an abscess below his jaw.
"After a long examination, the veterinarian found that Best Ofdream Trio had some wood splints in his throat. We found a bump when we bought him, but we thought it was something chronic in the root of a tooth" says Erik Killingmo.
The bump started growing and this past spring, the horse had surgery.
"It must have really bothered him and that just proves what a fighter he is. Luckily, the surgery went well and the veterinarians did a great job and Best Ofdream Trio recovered pretty quickly.
Invited to Elitloppet
After a brilliant seasonal debut where Best Ofdream Trio was toying with some of the best trotters in Norway, he received an invitation to Elitloppet.
"We were very happy to get invited and we never hesitated. Elitloppet is the biggest race you can race in and especially for a smaller trainer".
The draw was fortunate and Best Ofdream Trio took the lead in his elimination, but he was tired already down the backstretch and finished far away from a spot in the final.
"That was sad, of course. Unfortunately, he didn't do so well sleeping in the detention barn. I noticed already on Sunday morning that he wasn't quite right. He was nervous and worked up and was never really able to relax".
How does Best Ofdream Trio feel after going all out like that?
"He feels great and acts normal here at home, so I'm not worried that he would come up short like that again".
He has post position seven, what will the driver Kim Eriksson do in the start?
"He has to try to leave, the horse is quick out of the gate but so are a few others to his inside, but if he takes him off the gate he might never get in the race".
What do you think of his chances?
"We were invited to Elitloppet because the horse is good and in a race like this, he should do well and I believe in him".