by Karsten Bønsdorf, USTA Senior Correspondent

Jimmy Takter-trained Pinkman, the 2015 Hambletonian victor and steered by Yannick Gingras managed to show off former stablemate Uncle Lasse, driven by Ôrjan Kihlström, in the Elite race for 4-year-olds at Solvalla.

After a recall, the gate left the field and Gingras tried to get to the front, but from post position five Italian trotter, Telecommando OK, driven by Björn Goop, was able to go by Pinkman.

After 500 meters the multiple Dan Patch Award champion was placed on the lead and shortly thereafter Twister Bi, driven by Christoffer Eriksson, ranged up on the outside.

Pinkman remained in command going into the stretch as Twister Bi faded, but on the outside Uncle Lasse, who started from the second tier, came with a late burst.

Pinkman drifted to the outside, but still managed to be in front and won in 1:52.2 followed by Uncle Lasse and Divisionist, which was a one, two, three finish for the United States.

“Pinkman was super today,” Gingras said. “He was better than I had expected. If I had known that he would have been so good, I would have pushed harder to get him in the Elitlopp.”

The purse for the winner was $60,000.

When he was interviewed in the winner’s circle Takter confirmed Pinkman may very well return to Solvalla at this time next year.

“That was the reason I brought him over here,” he said. “To give him this experience. Now we can plan on the Elitlopp possibly next year. There is nothing like winning a race here.”