V75® (Wednesday): "Very rare that I have such a good chance on V75"
Stumne Fyr lived up to the bettors' expectations last time out on V75®.
On Wednesday, he starts at home in Norway and will be the giant favorite again.
"I think he is a good horse to leave single on the ticket. He is Norway's best coldblooded trotter now" says the driver Ole Johan Östre.
V75® Winter Burst leaves Sweden for a couple of days, and on Wednesday, Norway and Momarken Racetrack host the races. Momarken is known for its long straightaways and narrow turns. Something that has bothered several favorites and it is not uncommon with upset winners there.
"The track is a bit special. I usually compare it to Axevalla. It's very decisive and you rarely get locked in" says Ole Johan Östre.
The Norwegian native runs a smaller stable and is also a frequently used driver.
"I would have liked some more horses to train. I see some light in the tunnel for the Norwegian trotting. The purses will get a boost after New Year's, especially on V75 and it's very positive, hopefully, it can make ripples on the water going forward".
Ole Johan Östre is the driver on 11 Stumne Fyr (V75-4) who has had a fantastic season and won the colblood final as recently as two Saturdays ago at Bollnäs.
"Stumne Fyr is the best coldblooded trotter in Norway now, at least this time of the year. He likes racing in these winter conditions and I think he is still getting better, despite turning ten years old soon".
Are you worried about him racing back in just a week and a half?
"No, he has done that several times before and has raced well. He won easily last time out and he didn't have to go all out, so that won't even be on my mind".
He will be the huge favorite, is that warranted?
"Yes, I think so. It's never easy with a 20 meter handicap, but he has shown very good form for a long time now and he can do the hard work himself in a race. You shouldn't be too cocky, but I think he is a good horse to leave single on the V75 ticket. It's very rare that I have such a good chance to win on V75".
Besides Stumne Fyr, Östre drives three more horses, of which one deserves to go on the V75 ticket, he thinks.
"3 Excalibur Zet (V75-6) is in very good form right now. I am pleased with the post position and will leave as hard as I can to try to get the lead. If I succeed, then I will race him there. There are other quick horses in the race and it might be a fast beginning. Excalibur Zet is up in class and he is one of many who can win this race and I think he deserves to go on the ticket".
You have two more drives, nothing for the V75 bettors?
"6 Joyeux du Cygne (V75-1) is a horse I haven't driven in a long time and I don't know his current status. I won with him at Solvalla, but that was a while ago. and in a lower class. He needs a covered up trip and he's in a bit too tough here".
"14 Johanna (V75-2) is a mare that I train. She is only three years old and starts behind horses who have more experience. I will give her a nice trip and have no big hopes, other than a check".