Jag captures Elitlopp

Two-time Prix d’Amerique champion Jag De Bellouet added to his laurels Sunday by capturing the final of the $408,000 Elitlopp at Solvalla Racetrack in Stockholm, Sweden. The 9-year-old Viking’s Way stallion equaled the 1:51.3 all-age world record for a five-eighths mile track held by Varenne. Lets Go was second and Conny Nobell was third.

There were two eliminations leading to the $347,000 final. In the first elim Conny Nobell went wire to wire in 1:55.4 and was followed across the finish line by Super Light, last year’s Elitlopp winner, Steinlager, and the Canadian mare Snazzy Millie.

Hot Shot Knick held off Jag de Bellouet in the second elim, scoring in 1:53.3, with Thai Tanic and Lets Go also qualifying for the final.

In the final Hot Shot Knick took the lead from the rail. But in one of the fastest opening in the history of the classic race, Snazzy Millie rushed to the lead from post seven. At the half Jag de Bellouet moved first-over and began his drive for the lead. He gained the top with about a quarter mile left and then pulled away from the field. He was more than four lengths ahead of the field at the wire.

“The horse was quite superior,” said Lars Palm, harnessracing.com’s European correspondent from Solvalla. “There’s no question he is the best horse in the world today when he is healthy.”

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