V86®: "My horse is where I want him"
Preben Sövik has gotten a flying start to his training career.
On Wednesday, he hopes to qualify Just Perfect Sisu for the Norwegian Trotting Derby.
"I make the trip with a lot of confidence and I think we have a good chance to win" says the Jägersro licensed trainer.
Preben Sövik has been a trainer for almost three years and has gotten a flying start to his career. He now has almost 50 horses in training and just a few weeks ago, the stable won its biggest win when Just Perfect Sisu (V86-5) won the Norwegian Sprint Championship.
"That was huge for me and it meant a lot to be able to come back home to Norway to win such a big race. I won't forget that for as long as I live" says Preben Sövik.
Onto the next task for Just Perfect Sisu. On Wednesday when V86 is split between Solvalla and Bjerke, the horse will try to qualify for the Norwegian Trotting Derby.
"That will be another exciting trip for us. I have talked to a friend back home in Norway who knows a lot about the 4-year-olds there and he says my horse is top three in that crop, so I hope he's right".
The Derby is raced over the long distance, but that does not worry the trainer.
"No, I don't see him as a sprinter. I was actually a bit surprised that we could win the Sprint Championship that easily, especially when the pace was so low in the middle of the race. Just Perfect Sisu can maintain his top speed for quite a while, proving he is a strong horse. In his first start for me, he trotted 1:14 over the long distance and was nowhere near tired, so the long distance is no disadvantage".
He is where I want him
Just Perfect Sisu was not at his best in his last start and finished fourth.
"We had trained him pretty hard after that win in Norway since I have aimed at the Derby and the important thing was to finish top four to get to the semifinals of the Breeders Crown, which is another goal this fall. He crossed the finish line at full speed and someone had timed him to 1:07 speed the last 400 meters and I can't ask for more".
Is he sharper now?
"Yes, I have tried to get him sharper in training and it feels like he is where I want him. I trained him a heat last week in 1:17.5 over 2,600 meters and he felt very good, nice and loose".
Are you making any changes for this start?
"No, he will race barefoot behind, in a regular sulky, and with a pull-down bridle".
Is there anything that worries you?
"No, not now, but they are live animals and anything can happen. I am very pleased with my horse and I make the trip to Bjerke with a lot of faith in him".