Eliminations held for Swedish Derby races

The favorites did what they were supposed to do in the eliminations for the Swedish Derby and Mare Derby, which were held Tuesday night at the Jaegersro track in Malmo. There were six elims for the horses and three for the mares. The Derby races are for 4 year olds and the finals will be held Sunday, Sept. 6. 

Maharajah, a son of Viking Kronos, was sidelined with problems earlier this year, and he was making just his fourth start of the year in the Derby elim. Although he’s only made four starts, he is very good and will likely be the hottest favorite for the Derby final. He was the fastest Derby elim winner, taking his split with a mile rate of 1:59.4 for 2,614 meters (about 1 5/8ths mile). His main challengers will be Yield Boko (Viking Kronos) and Spring Erom (Gentle Star). 

The Pine Chip mare Calamara Donna is the corresponding hot favorite for the Derby Mare and she was very convincing when she won her Derby elim for Orjan Kihlstrom, who also drove Maharajah. Her mile rate time for 2,140 meters (about 1 ¼ miles) was 1:58.3. 

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