by Karsten Bønsdorf, USTA Newsroom Senior Correspondent

Uncle Lasse, driven by his new owner and trainer Stefan Melander, had a very impressive European debut Wednesday night (April 6) at Solvalla, winning a leg in the Solvalla series in 1:57.1f (mile rate).

Kanal 75 photo

Uncle Lasse was a winner in 1:57.1 in the Solvalla series.

Uncle Lasse was in command from the start and after 700 meters he was attacked by stablemate Divisionist, who was very headstrong. Uncle Lasse held him off and down the stretch there was just one trotter at the track — Uncle Lasse.

The way Uncle Lase won the race was so impressive that some Swedish experts would like to see him in the Elitlopp this year.

And the Swedish fans were very fast to give Uncle Lasse a nickname — Farbror — which is a Swedish word for Uncle.