Svenskt Trav Kriterium and Oaks at Solvalla

Xanthis Harvey (3m Propulsion-B. Glorious-Smokn’ Lantern), off at 6.2/1 odds from post 11, raced parked and then surged to the lead in late stretch to win the 2022 Svenskt Trav Kriterium (purse to winner 2,000,000SEK ($177,000US), 2640 meters autostart) at Solvalla Racecourse in Sweden.

Orjan Kihlstrom teamed this Daniel Reden trainee to his fourth career win in seven starts plus three seconds, now for 2,315,000SEK earned. Race time was 1.12.9kr.

Bengan (3m Django Riff-Restless Legs-Credit Winner) was a good second for Ulf Ohlsson and trainer Reden, ahead of third finishing Ante La Roque (3m Uncle Lasse-Stormie de Vie-Kadabra) that set the pace for pilot Erik Adielsson and trainer Reden who sent four starters into this battle.

Earlier on the card the US export Sister Sledge (5f Father Patrick-Behindcloseddoord-Andover Hall) won the Giant Diable (purse to winner 220,000€, 2140 meters autostart) timed in 1,12,2kr. She was off at 2.4/1 and was handled by Orjan Kihlstrom for trainer Reden. The winner now has a 20-8-1 slate in 37 career starts for 9,367,453SEK earned. This day she defeated Digital Class (7f Super Photo Kosmos) and Dear Friend (9f Orlando Vici).

The Gr, I National Svenskt Trav Oaks (1,400,000SEK to winner ($130,000US), 2140 meters autostart) was on stage today at Solvalla.

The 3.2/1 odds Bonneville W.I. (3f SJ’s Caviar-Uppsala Wise As-Zola Boko) rallied late to win this classic for pilot Ulf Ohlsson and trainer Timo Nurmos. She now has a 3-2-1 slate from six career stars now good for 1,639,500SEK earned. Race time was 1.11.9kr.

Aurelia Express (3f Readly Express-Godiva Boko-Make It Happen) was a game second for Erik Adielsson driving for trainer Nurmos and Queen Belina (3f Nuncio-First Love Boko-Muscles Yankee) took third for Jorgen Westholm as a host of trotters were within a length at the finish.

On the undercard Brother Bill (6g From Above-Clear As A Bell-Super Arnie) at 9.3/1 odds rallied to win the Gr. II International Frances Bulwarks (750,000SEK to winner, 2140 meters autostart) timed in 1.11.1kr with Magnus A. Djuse up for trainer Timo Nurmos. The winner nailed pacesetter Hail Mary (6m Googoo Gaagaa-Dreams-Victory Dream) and driver Orjan Kihlstrom nearing the line. Third home was Esprit Sisu (6g Ready Cash) handled by Ulf Ohlsson.

ATG, Solvalla files/photos

by Thomas H. Hicks, for Harnesslink