V75®: Walmann the rascal about Walmann the rascal
The Kriterium runner-up from last year makes his first start of the year in V75®. But Walmann the trainer throws in a warning for his stable mate.
"Sure, Walmann can win if it all works out, but I won't be surprised if Slivovitz Lover finishes ahead of him on Saturday," says the Solvalla trainer.
Spring has sprung. Not only when it comes to the weather but also in the race entries.
V75® will be raced at Solvalla On Saturday, and our capital track offers a menu full of delicacies, STL finals, and four races in the Margaretas Tidiga Unghästserie.
The hometown trainer, Roger Walmann, has been quiet for a while, but the season kicks off on Saturday. He sends out six starters, three on the V75 card, including last year's runner-up in the Swedish Kriterium Walmann, suitably named after his trainer.
The now 4-year-old stud horse is one of two starters in V75-2.
"4 Walmann feels great, and he is well prepared. He is not trained to be sharp for this particular race. Hopefully, he has a long season ahead of himself. I train my horses to get in better form with each start. I never train fast. I'm very pleased with him right now," says Roger Walmann.
Were you surprised by his season last year?
"Yes, a little bit. I didn't have any big expectations for him when he started racing. I knew he could trot, but he was hot and not easy to work with."
Has he matured over the winter?
"I think so, but he will always be a rascal, but I'll take it as long as he delivers on the track. He's a good racehorse, simply."
What are your hopes for him on Saturday?
"I believe in a good effort, and he can win if it all works out, but a lot can happen in a race, and Walmann needs a good trip to win; he is not trained to be sharp right now, as I said."
Not surprised if Slivovitz Lover finishes ahead of Walmann on Saturday
One of Walmann's opponents is his stable mate 3 Slivovitz Lover.
"I think he raced fantastic last time out; he had to trot on the outside of the leader Keep Asking, and he never gave up. He has made three starts this year and has been good in all of them. He keeps getting better with each start, and I think he's a bit underrated. Slivovitz Lover has a great attitude and always tries hard."
Could he even beat Walmann?
"It wouldn't surprise me. Slivovitz Lover is in top form, while Walmann makes his first start of the year. Walmann is a better horse, but I won't be surprised if Slivovitz Lover finishes ahead of him on Saturday."
How about 12 S.G.Dracarys (V75-6)? How is his form?
"Very good. He was great in his last start and finished with lots of trot left. He is five years old now and needs to grow into the open class. The post position is ice-cold, and I would say he has about zero chance of winning the race against the see tough horse, even if anything can happen. He will get a nice trip and hope for a check. S.G.Dracarys will get better with time but I lay low this time."
On the undercard, last year's queen of the crop, 3 S.G.Empress, makes her first start of the year in V4-4. How does she train?
"Good, I'm very pleased with her. She has trained the same way Walmann has and has gotten a lot of work done without going any faster heats. She drew well, and with a decent trip, she should have a chance to win."
You have two more starters in that race. How are their form?
"6 Guenerina has taken her time but has improved quite a bit in the last few months. She feels good, and I'm sure she will race well again, but it's hard to believe she will win the race. 8 Great Pride has trained with S.G.Empress, and she also feels good and is well prepared. Great Pride drew poorly and it will be tough to get in the race. It looks best for S.G.Empress on paper."