Naughty Nunu wins in Sweden

Naughty Nunu, owned by the Arden Homestead Stable and trainer Jan Johnson along with Tomas Bertmark, won one of Sweden’s greatest events, the Sprinter Championship, in 1:55.4 at the Halmstad track Thursday night. Naughty Nunu, a 4-year-old son of Conway Hall, won the race thanks to a savvy drive by Erik Adielsson, who was in the sulky for trainer Stig H. Johansson. The victory was worth $130,000 to the owners.

Conditions were terrible for the race since it had rained for almost 24 hours prior to post time, but the weather finally cleared, although the track was left very firm.

Naughty Nunu won the final heat after starting from post nine, as the trailer. He was sitting in the pocket until Express Merett, driven by Pekka Korpi, was moved to the outside. Adielsson alertly followed and Naughty Nunu responded to the second-over trip.

Naughty Nunu advanced to the final after finishing second to Russel November in the first elimination. The German-bred Russel November showed great heart in coming from the back of the field to win in 1:54.4. Garland Kronos, a son of Viking Kronos, took third.

The second elim went to Gift Kronos, also a son of Viking Kronos. Trained and driven by Lutfi Kogjini, he scored in 1:57, holding off Express Merett, who was parked all the way, and Johnny Muscle (by Muscles Yankee).

The third elimination was captured by Megaman Neo (Super Arnie-Clorita Lobell), a full brother to the Swedish star Gigant Neo. He trotted to a 1:56.1 score over Archipelago.

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