Hail Mary wins Gr II at Ostersund; Just Believe third

Hail Mary (Googoo Gaagaa) disappointed in the Elitlopp, but was a winner again in the Group II Jämtland Stora Pris in Östersund Saturday. Australian champion trotter, Just Believe, who made a costly break in his heat of the Elitlopp, was a game third place finisher in the race.

Click Bait took the lead, but Örjan Kihlström guided him to the lead after half a lap. Rackham was parked outside the whole race and was tired going into the last turn. Power and Just Believe were second and third-over, respectively. Kihlström set a steady 1:54-1:55 pace in the 2100 meter long race.

Going into the last turn Power, another son of Googoo Gaagaa, attacked three-wide, while Greg Sugars sent Just Believe four-wide through the last turn. Turning for home Hail Mary just upped the pace and couldn’t be caught. Click Bait attempted to mount a challenge but couldn’t touch Hail Mary.

He finished second, though, ahead of Just Believe, who finished really well.

The winner earned 600,000SEK and 125,000SEK went to Just Believe.

HAIL MARY REPLAY

Hail Mary won in a kilometer rate of 1.10,4/2140 meters, a mile rate of 1:53.2f. Click Bait was second in 1.10,7, while Just Believe was third in 1.10,8, the latter a mile rate of 1:54f (1:53 9/10). Just Believe put in a 27 1/2 final quarter.

POST-RACE INTERVIEW WITH DANIEL REDEN

Greg Sugars tweeted about Just Believe’s performance after the race.

He has pulled up a treat!! To say I am proud of the performance is a huge understatement. Thank you to everyone who took the time to tune in and cheer for us. Bring on Boden. #justbelieve pic.twitter.com/k9fbELlC1y

— Greg Sugars (@grsugars) June 10, 2023

by Lisa Harkema, for Harnesslink