July 9, 2017 – Today’s Jarlsberg feature event was the Gr. I Ulf Thoresen Grand International (2100 meters autostart, 750,000NOk to the winner). Twister Bi (5m Varenne-Lorraine Bi) was placed directly on the lead from post two by driver Christoffer Eriksson, rated comfortably, and drew off with 500 meters remaining to secure a five length victory for trainer Jerry Riordan, timed in 1.10.4kr. Twister Bi recorded his fourth win in eight 2017 starts, now for 4,907,005NOk earned in a successful and emerging career. An elated Riordan stated on post race interview that his charge is a happy horse that was just rolling along in the final 400. Oasis Bi (9m Toss Out-Up Front JM) sat the pocket for driver Erik Adielsson but lost the second spot to fast closing Lionel (7m Look de Star-Aurora Sign) and driver/owner Goran Antonsen for trainer Daniel Reden.
The secondary feature this day was the Anders Jahres (2100 meters autostart, 200,000SEK to the winner) and the 1.11.2kr timed winner was Djali Boko (7m Ready Cash-Lucky Lavec) that moved decisively in the final bend and jetted off to an easy score for reinsman Adrian Kolgjini and trainer Lutfi Kolgjini. Nappa Scar (5m Scarlet Knight-Butterfly Player) was the second horse home for trainer/driver Per Lennartson. Bjorn Goop piloted the Jerry Riordan trainee Tango Negro (5m Infinitif-Lisetta Real) to a third place finish.
Also on the undercard was the Felleokjopets (2100 meters autostart, 75,000NOk to winner) with victory going to Ferrari BR (4m Muscles Yankee-Bauxite) timed in 1.13.2kr for trainer/driver Per Oleg Midtfjeld, who campaigned Cromwell (sire of Phantasm SOA) throughout most of his European racing career. Second in this event was the Jerry Riordan trainee Umberto Axe (4m Love You-Ira Furiosa Spin) driven by Tom Eric Solberg. Defy Anything (5f Cantab Hall-Flirtin Victory) took third for driver Erik Adielsson and trainer Flemming Jensen.
Thomas H. Hicks