V86® (jackpot): A new start for Berglund and Seismic Wave
The stable has made just two starts so far this year. Berglund is not in a hurry.
When V86 is shared between Solvalla and Bergsåker this Wednesday, he kicks into gear.
"I'm very excited to see what Seismic Wave can do in his seasonal debut," says the trainer.
Last year, Oscar Berglund raced frequently at this time of the year and had a good amount of success. This year he tries a new setup and he has barely raced any horses yet this year.
"Last fall we decided to build new training tracks and we have given pretty much everything a makeover. It feels good, so far. We have only raced one horse this year and haven't gotten any answers yet, but everything looks good so far. We have considerably fewer visits to the veterinarian; it is easy on the horses and gives us a good balance in training," says Oscar Berglund.
The stable includes over 20 horses and it is a mix of top horses and depth.
"I am very pleased with what we have in the stalls, I have very good clients and great staff. I sleep well at night".
Trains extra well
This Wednesday, V86 is shared between Solvalla and Bergsåker and Oscar Berglund makes the trip to Sundsvall with Seismic Wave, who raced in the 2021 Elitlopp which ended with him making a break in the elimination. Seismic Wave has raced very inconsistently and his most recent win was in October 2021.
"He is a horse who I, and many others know well, I also know the owners from before. The horse came to me in very good shape from Timo Nurmos and we decided to give Seismic Wave the time he needs and we have started over from scratch physically and mentally".
How does he feel in training?
"He feels great and it's no coincidence that he has raced in Elitloppet. I felt already the first time I sat behind him that he was an extraordinary horse. He trains very well and I have trained him twice at the track at race speed, he did that very well too".
It has been a while since he delivered, is his heart still in it?
"That's a tough question. You can't tell in training. Charlotte Andersson takes care of the horse and she has done all that she can and everything feels great. We will get that answer when he races".
Will he race with or without shoes?
"He will race barefoot all around. He has trained with steel shoes both times at the track and it's a big advantage for him to race shoeless. He will also race in an American sulky and nothing of this is new for him".
What does your gut feeling tell you?
"The most important thing to me as a trainer is that Seismic Wave races the way I want him to, meaning I want to see him cross the finish line at full speed and the result is not the most important thing this time. The bettors need to keep in mind that he starts from the second tier in a short-distance race and they have to set a high pace upfront, for him to get into the race. Hopefully, we will get an answer to where he is at on Wednesday. On the other hand, I won't be surprised if he wins, since he's in a bit cheaper than what he is used to and his abilities are sky high".