V86®: Mantorp (jackpot): "They have to be darn fast"
Locked in with lots left in the tank two starts ago, and got run into last time out.
When V86® comes to Mantorp this Wednesday, L.Way Joli is looking for revenge.
"The bad luck has to stop now. If things work out, we will be in the mix" says driver Henrik Johansson.
The trot fests come one after the other, also in August. This Wednesday, Mantorp hosts V86® with a great racecard, spiced up by a jackpot. The program includes four divisions of the Breeders Crown series for both 3- and 4-year-olds.
The amateur trainer Henrik Johansson has worked with horses for most of his life and had the chance to drive some nice horses, but never anyone as good as 1 L.Way Joli (V86-2).
"That's the best horse I have driven, without a doubt, and I've driven horses who have made millions. L.Way Joli has always shown talent and we have always had high hopes for him, but he hasn't really gotten the results we have hoped yet" says Henrik Johansson.
Got run into three times
What is the story behind this horse?
"The breeders are also the guys who own and train him. They are my neighbors and I have seen the horse train pretty much every time on my straight track".
When did you discover that he was an extraordinary horse?
"We sort of noticed that right away. He has a lot of talent and is a very uncomplicated horse".
He has made some breaks, is he unsafe?
"No, I don't think he is. He has gotten run into three times, making it a bit hard to stay trotting".
Is that also why he made a break in his last start?
"Yes, he was brutally interfered with right after the start. That was a real bummer. I just let him trot behind the field and he felt great, and his heart race was good after the race".
Did he feel as good as when he finished fourth, in the start prior?
"Yes, I think so. That time, we got locked in and he was completely unused and his heart rate was low after the race. We would have been second for sure, had we just gotten out, and that was against some really good 3-year-olds".
On Wednesday you have the inside post, are you aiming for the lead?
"I will try to leave as fast as he can. I have never sent him out of the gate. But he has gotten quicker in the start. It's part of his progress and we have also been helped by the American sulky. If I can hold up the lead, I will race him there".
Would you be surprised if he wins?
"No, I can't say that I would. I think he has shown so much ability, that he should be in the mix if things work out for him. They won't leave him behind, then they have to be darn fast".