V86® (jackpot): Sandra's poster boy is back
Sandra Eriksson's poster boy Swagger is back.
On Wednesday, he is in a good spot on the V86® jackpot card.
"I was pleased with him in his return and the conditions are perfect" says Eriksson.
Two years ago, Sandra Eriksson was enjoying great success with 3 Swagger (V86-2). Just a few weeks before Elitloppet, Swagger won impressively at his home track Boden and many people wanted to see the horse in Elitloppet. The year went on to be very successful and Swagger won three V75® races, including a final, and made over SEK 700,000 in 2021.
Last year did not turn out as well for Swagger who had a hard time finding his form. On top of that, he got injured at the end of 2022 and was away from racing for almost a year.
"It was a soft tissue injury, a very rare one, and it took a long time to get him back. I have not been in any sort of hurry with him, he has been given all the time needed" says Sandra Eriksson.
Just a few weeks ago, Swagger returned to racing and finished third. The trainer was pleased with his performance.
"I think he held on strongly and he felt as good as I had hoped. He got a bit grabby when he hit his foot in the sulky at the start, and he never really settled down during the race which took some out of him. He never stopped and he had a good bounce to his stride across the finish line".
How did he come out of the race?
"He came out of it well and I expect him to be improved quite a bit with that start in his legs".
His form should be better now
On Wednesday, the Boden licensed trainer has found a good spot at Solvalla, as the track co-hosts V86 together with Bergsåker. The card comes with a jackpot and a sole winner could win SEK 15 million.
"Both the post position and the distance are very good for Swagger. He is used to racing with both shoes and corks, should that be necessary. My horse feels very good as I said, and his form should be better now, and of course, I expect and hope for a good effort and he should have a chance to win, even if I don't know the opponents".
Sandra Eriksson also has a V86 starter at Bergsåker; 5 King Of Djazz (V86-7), who is in good form.
"He only finished seventh last time out, but he couldn't handle the track that day so I don't worry too much about that. He trains well and he's a horse who always does his best. He has shown that he is good enough for this class and he should have a chance to win".
Finally, the year is coming to an end, are you satisfied with 2023?
"Well, I am not dissatisfied, but I think there's been a lot of unlucky bounces and too many second places. We just have to get back at it again and I think it looks good for next year. I have some interesting younger horses, and I also hope that Swagger and Devils Tongue can stay sound and healthy and race on V75".