Torvald Palema captures Elitlopp final

Torvald  Palema, a natural trotter who races without an overcheck, pulled off an upset in the Elitlopp Sunday at the Solvalla racetrack in Stockholm, Sweden, turning in a big stretch rally to best Jaded in 1:53.1.

Torvald Palema started from post four after finishing second in the elimination heat won by Jaded. Torvald Palema is trained and driven by Ake Svanstedt , who just days earlier was charged with animal cruelty by a Swedish criminal prosecutor. He is also facing a one-month suspension by Swedish trotting authorities because he drove a horse in a manner which gave an advantage to another horse in his stable in the prestigious Queen’s Trophy race.

Torvald Palema, an 8-yer-old son of Alf Palema, enjoyed a third-over trip in the Elitlopp final as Sahara Dynamite and Jaded led the field, battling side-by-side. At the top of the homestretch four or five horses had a chance to win, but Torvald Palema had the most kick left, edging past the gutsy Jaded, who held on for second. Two-time Prix d’Amerique champion Offshore Dream saved ground along the inside and took third with Triton Sund fourth.

Svanstedt won the 2004 Elitlopp with Gidde Palema, also a son of Alf Palema.

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