by Karsten Bonsdorf, USTA web newsroom correspondent

The Swedish Kriterium and Oaks, which are the biggest stakes races in Sweden for 3-year-old trotters, were both won on Sunday (Oct. 2) by horses who had just four races under their belt.

Kanal 75 photo

Pato was a winner on Sunday in the Swedish Kriterium.

The Kriterium, raced over the 1-5/8th mile distance with a purse of $235,000 for the winner, was captured by Pato, driven by Peter Ingves. Pato, who is by the French sire Orlando Vici, had to trot three wide going around the last corner, but fought bravely to win by a head in 2:00.1 (mile rate), followed by M T Golden Boy (by Viking Kronos), driven by Ake Svanstedt, and Bon Frecia (by Steinlager), driven by Jorma Kontio.

Pato is trained by Finnish-born Petri Purjo, who is also the man who formed and campaigned top international trotter Commander Crowe, who will race in the Breeders Crown later this month, until a year ago.

In the Oaks, the little filly Vincennes, driven by Aksel Lahtinen, was first past the post despite losing some ground after making a break at the start. The Oaks is raced over the 1-5/16th mile distance and the purse for the winner is $150,000.

Vincennes — named after Europe’s biggest harness racing venue in Paris, France — is sired by Spotlite Lobell. She was timed in 1:59.4f.
Her dam, Lina Trot, was sold in Germany a year ago at an internet auction for just $1,775, while in foal to Spotlite Lobell.

On Saturday afternoon, the Finnish Kriterium over the 1-5/8th mile distance, was raced at Tampere and was won by the heavy favorite, Brad de Veluwe (by Andover Hall), with trainer/driver Toumas Korvenoja in the bike.

Brad de Veluwe, who many consider as the best 3-year-old trotter in Europe, took his 10th victory from 11 career starts. The purse for the winner was $100,000.

Brad de Veluwe has now won $400,000 lifetime.