V86®: Tarzan chasing new victories — "I have two that can win"
When Decision Maker won the Gold division at Bjerke last Saturday, it was Stefan Melander's 2,000th training win.
On Wednesday ‘Tarzan’ can add to that number in V86® at Solvalla where he has a couple of good chances on paper.
"Both Oracle Vixi and Solo Traveller can win. They are in excellent shape and are ready for great efforts," says Stefan Melander.
Last Saturday, the Solvalla-licensed trainer reached a milestone in his career when he got training win number 2,000. Stefan 'Tarzan' Melander has been a professional trainer since September 26, 1996, and has had great success over the years. Both in Sweden and internationally with over 50 Group 1 victories. Tarzan is the only trainer who has won The International Trot (His Majesty), Prix d'Amerique (Gigant Neo), The Hambletonian (Scarlet Knight), and Elitloppet (twice, with Iceland and Nuncio). He is inducted into the Hall of Fame and has trained many trotting stars in his career.
Last Saturday, he had the pleasure of seeing his own breeding Decision Maker take his 2,000th training victory together with Magnus A Djuse.
"It was awesome to see. The grand dam of Decision Maker, Yatzy Brodda was my first star in the stake races. And Nuncio is the sire of Decision Maker so, it felt like I was dreaming. It was fantastic," says Stefan Melander.
When we reach Tarzan, he is in his tractor as usual, working on the training tracks, so that his horses can train on the best possible surface. One of the keys to his success. He trains 33 horses and has cut down the last few years and will continue doing so, according to himself.
"A great horse for the class"
On Wednesday, Tarzan can add to the win total when he sends out five horses in V86® at Solvalla. Two of his five starters stand out as the hottest chances.
"2 Oracle Vixi (V86-2) is in excellent form right now and he raced well when he finished second. last time out. He feels good after that start and I think he will race huge. Julia is a good driver. She's darn good. I'm pleased with my horse, he is calm and relaxed now, as well as with the post position and the driver. Barefoot upfront and American sulky again. No changes," says Stefan Melander.
"8 Cloud Busting (V86-2) is hard to get in form. She is not good enough to win here and it will be tough from post eight".
"12 La Forza (V86-4) also has no chance from post twelve. Chasing a check".
"1 Solo Traveller (V86-6) is in phenomenal shape right now and I think she's a great horse for the class she's currently in. She has raced super lately and feels excellent. Three starts ago, she won in 1:13.6 and was impressive. She is on her way up and keeps getting better and better. If she gets out of the gate on the right foot, she is quick. I hope she can hold up the lead from the inside post and she can definitely win the race. No changes, barefoot all around and American sulky. I would say she is my best chance".
"6 Asymmetry (V86-6) raced super when she finished second in her last start and she is on her way up. She is in tough this time and winning will be tough".