US import Propulsion (5m Muscle Hill-Danae-Andover Hall) with cagey Orjan Kihlstrom driving escaped the pocket late and rallied with a rapid speed burst between harness racing rivals to capture the 2016 Gr. I UET Masters Series Hugo Abergs Memorial (purse to winner 1,000,000SEK, with total purse in euros of €188,475, 1609 meters autostart, 10 entrants less scratching of Your Highness) for trainer Daniel Reden and Stall Zet.
Off at even-money odds (PMU network and 1.39/1 on ATG) Propulsion now has a 2016 slate of 5-0-1 in seven starts for 3,621,713SEK earned this year and 4,404,296SEK for the career (31 starts with a 16-2-4 chart).
Mosaique Face (7m Classic Photo-Iona LB-Supergill) at 17/1 set the pace for Adrian Kolgjini and held second ahead of 1.7/1 Robert Bi (6m Toss Out-Up Front JM-Self Possessed) and Robin Bakker that rallied late off the final bend and ended third. Post-race Bakker said he was very pleased with Robert Bi’s performance. Dante Boko (6g Going Kronos-Margherita Rosa-Abo Volo) rallied from back after a post 10 starting spot to be fourth for trainer/driver Lutfi Kolgjini.
Propulsion was US-bred by F.V, Caldwell of Lexington KY and NJ based Bluestone Farms.
The fractions set by Mosaique Face were honest and setup a record event (1.06.7kr after 500 meters; 1.09.3kr at the 1000 mark and finish 1.08.9kr, or mile rate 1:50.86f). The second and third place finishers were clocked in 1.09kr.
The race, held at Jagersro / Malmo SWE, began in 1970, and was won last year by Creatine (with Johnny Takter up) and in the past by two-time winners Commander Crowe, Lave Kronos, Gidde Palema, Rite On Line, Peach Corps, Big Spender and Express Gaxe.
A big crowd was on hand for great racing on a beautiful evening at Jagersro.
Thomas H. Hicks