Just Believe’s shot at becoming the first Australian-trained trotter to reach an Elitloppet final copped a major hit in the early hours of this morning when he was handed a wide barrier for Sunday’s qualifying heat.
The Victorian invitee will leave from gate seven – the second widest of the starting positions – in his qualifier, which shapes as a tricky assignment for reinsman Greg Sugars around the tight, turning Solvalla circuit.
Local betting markets in Sweden now have Just Believe in excess of 200-1 to win the final, but navigating a path and reaching the decider as a top four heat place-getter will be the first thing on Sugars’ mind.
“It’s probably not ideal, obviously we wanted to draw closer to the inside, but at the end of the day we’re just happy to be here,” Sugars said.
“I’ve just got to put him on the gate, and probably get out as best I can and try not to give away too much of a head start… just try find a spot as quick as I can.”
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One of the key rivals in Just Believe’s heat is overall series fancy Don Fanucci Zet (barrier one), while last year’s winner Etonnant will start from four.
Sugars and Just Believe arrived in Sweden on Friday after a marathon journey from Victoria that commenced on Tuesday night.
They are based at the property run by Swedish Hall of Fame trainer Stig H Johansson, near Stockholm.
Just Believe’s heat is scheduled for 11.28pm AEST on Sunday, with coverage on Sky Racing.
WATCH RYAN PHELAN’S POST-DRAW INTERVIEW WITH GREG SUGARS BELOW:
