V86®: Titan Brodde has found himself
From a notorious breaker to a winning machine.
In Wednesday night's V86® Titan Brodde can take his eighth win in twelve starts since his owner took over the training.
"I hope and believe he will go all the way to the gold division" says Stefan Öhman.
He used to be very nervous and insecure but now it seems Titan Brodde (V86®-8) has really found himself. Six months ago amateur trainer Stefan Öhman decided to take over the training of his horse and ever since he's just been getting beter and better.
"It's almost like a fairytale. We always knew he was a good horse but now all the pieces are coming together" says Öhman.
Not one single break and seven wins in eleven starts is Titan Brodde's record since Öhman took him home. Prior to that he had made breaks in eight out of thirteen starts.
"You should never say never, it's still in him. But he has matured and he's much more quiet at home too. He used be very hot but now he's calm and harmonic. He seems to enjoy life and he's still improving. How far that will take him is hard to say but I think and hope he will go all the way to the gold division, even if he's still got quite a bit to go.
"Good chance no matter the trip"
In his last start, Titan Brodde had to leave hard and made the front with 900 meters to go. He then held on to win by a head.
"He hadn't raced for over six weeks and had only trained on the farm. He never got a breather and he raced very well" says Öhman.
"He needed that race and I can feel in training that he's better now. He feels great and should have a great chance to win on Wednesday".
The only argument against Titan Brodde is the fact that he drew post 8 behind the gate. But back in December he won on V75® from post 8 over the same distance - 1640 meters, so trainer Stefan Öhman doesn't worry too much over the conditions this time either.
"This race isn't as tough as when he won in V75, but post 8 is never fun. The way he feels in training after his last start, I still think he will be fine here. He can handle doing the job himself and i think Örjan (Kihlström) will try to go forward from the start. He tried leaving with him in his last start and he stepped out of there pretty good. He might get to take over after 500 meters here. I don't see anyone parking him here".
Biggest threat on paper is Etosha Boko. He also came back after some time off in his last start and he was right there in the photo after taking the lead and letting Titan Brodde go and then getting out in the stretch. Etosha Boko might get to the front here too.
"I would think they want to let us go if they get to the front with Etosha Boko. He was good in his last start but my horse has improved off of that, maybe Etosha Boko has too, but normally Titan Brodde has a good chance no matter what trip he gets".
Outsider in good form
Titan Brodde will be the favorite in his race. Stable mate Creme Fraiche (V86-4) won't. She's still winless after 40 starts but when she last raced, she came back after a six months long layoff due to injury, she did it in a positive way.
"Uffe (Ohlsson) was very happy with her after the early miscue. He gave her a good workout and she wasn't tired at all. She should improve quite a bit with that. The question is if she'll get away trotting from post seven. If she does she might hit the board".