V86®: Baron Tilly towards new goals
This past spring, Baron Tilly won the King's Trophy. After that, he was gone for months.
The 4-year-old is back and his aim is set at the Breeders Crown.
"I always believe I have a chance to win when he races," says trainer David Persson going into the V86 start this Wednesday.
The Axevalla licensed trainer David Persson has never made what he thinks of 4 Baron Tilly (V86-7) a secret. The extraordinarily talented 4-year-old showed what he is capable of when he won the King's Trophy with Carl Johan Jepson this past spring, after a sharp finish.
"It was huge and my biggest win and I get warm inside just thinking about it. Baron Tilly is by far the best horse I have trained. Sure, I have trained horses that have made more money, but I've never been around a horse like him before," says David Persson.
After winning the King's Trophy, the connections chose to aim for the Swedish Trotting Derby in the beginning of September. Unfortunately, Baron Tilly got sick and was not able to make it to the biggest 4-year-old race in Sweden.
"It was tough, of course, but they are live animals and everything can happen. Baron Tilly was very sick. It was some form of allergy; we think he ate something in the field that he reacted to. The toughest part was that he wouldn't get better, it took a long time, and was very frustrating. We have to make sure he doesn't get exposed to that again".
Strong return
After over four months away from racing, Baron Tilly returned in the middle of September. A break in the start runed all his chances. After the break, he trotted 1:12.5/2,000 meters in a good way, without being pushed.
On Wednesday, a lot is at stake for Baron Tilly and many other of the country's 3- and 4-year-olds. The entire V86 card is made up by the Breeders Crown divisions at Kalmar and Romme. You have to finish top four to make it to the semifinals at Solvalla on Sunday, November 3.
"I count on Baron Tilly being even better with that start in his legs, I'm pleased with him in training and have no complaints going into this start. André Eklundh drove him once and knows him better now, which is an advantage".
"I haven't decided on his shoeing yet. It was surprising that Baron Tilly made a break in his last start, even if he hasn't been completely safe in the past either. He could race with shoes all around, or barefoot all around, I can't decide yet. No other changes".
"I'm happy with the draw, had I gotten the chance to pick a post, I would have picked four. The car goes at even speed from there and I hope he won't get away too far back. I always believe I have a chance to win with this horse".
She also has a chance to win
David Persson also brings 7 Global Eyecatcher (V86-1) to Kalmar and her form is good.
"She was great in her last start, after some time off. She trained well before that start and I expected a good effort but I was still surprised that she was that good in her first start back. She feels good in training after that start and should be improved with that race in her legs. My horses usually improve with a start since I don't train them to be sharp right off a break".
"Global Eyecatcher is not far behind the best 4-year-old mares and I hope we can make it to the semifinals. She drew to the outside and it looks like an even field where the trip will be a deciding factor. I hope she can find a spot and get a good trip; with some luck she has a chance to win. She will race in an American sulky this time".