V86®: Wikström hopes to kick start the new year
2025 kicks off with V86® at Solvalla and Bergsåker.
"Just More Fun is very tough in the lead," says Bergsåker trainer Lars Wikström about his best chance on New Year's Day.
The New Year's celebrations have nearly faded when the new trotting year starts.
On Wednesday, January 1, all numbers, earnings, and wins, go back to zero. Lars Wikström had a solid 2024, with earnings of SEK 2,8 million and a winning percentage of 16.
"I am pleased and think it's an all-time high for me. Things have gone well; horses have been consistent and with no big dips. I hope we can keep the numbers up in 2025, that's what we aim for," says the Bergsåker trainer.
What is your best memory from 2024?
"It's always fun to win in V75. An extra heartwarming win for me was when Brageson won the final of Dubbelcupen in April. He raced barefoot for the first time and we had aimed him for that race. He got the trip he needed and it's a nice feeling when everything comes together the way you hope".
Would like to see her in the lead
After eight V75® cards in nine days, at the end of 2024, we reload and kick off 2025 with V86®, a card split between Solvalla and Bergsåker. The Wikström stable starts three horses.
"I would say I have one decent chance, at least on paper, the conditions are right for 2 Just More Fun (V86-3). She's in good form. She has raced in tough races in her last two starts and has shown good form. Two starts ago, she closed well the last 500 meters and wasn't beaten by much. In her last start, pretty much everything went wrong and she never got into the race".
She can leave fast, do you want to see her in the lead?
"I wouldn't mind that. Now, I am not the one driving her but I think she is very tough in the lead and I would like to see her there".
How do you estimate her chances?
"She faces tough horses here but at the same time, she has the best post position and she's one of the horses that can win the race".
You also have 8 Carroty in the race, what is her current status?
"She's a bit sluggish still and needs a few more starts to get in form. The post position makes it tricky for her. I lay low regarding her chances to win".
Has ability for V75
5 Jayden de Joudes (V86-4) has raced four times since he came to us. In his first start in October, there was a lot of talk about him and when I warmed him up, I got a real kick. He felt fantastic and it got my hopes up. He got a tough trip but unfortunately, he gave up a bit too easily":
What do you think about him now, after a few more starts?
"He is sluggish. I don't doubt that he has the ability, but he's hard to get going. I will change his training going forward, but that won't affect him for this start".
How should the bettors treat him?
"Should he just try hard and find some speed, he is a horse for V75, definitely, but so far, he has more to prove. I think he's the dark horse of the field, maybe you can use him if you play with four, or five horses in this race".