by Anna Svensson, Harness Racing Communications

Freehold, NJ — There is always a lot of talking going on during the week leading up to the Elitlopp.

Some trainers like to keep a low profile while others like to stir things up a little bit.

Lars Jakobsson/Kanal 75 photo

Kari Lähdekorpi is predicting an Elitlopp victory for Citation.

Kari Lähdekorpi is not known to be the quiet kind.

After the draw he was very disappointed that his horse, Gentleman, got post seven in his Elitlopp elimination. He thinks it will be impossible for Gentleman to win from that position, but he still thinks he will beat Mr Muscleman, who got the eight hole.

“I don’t think Mr Muscleman can win the Elitlopp from there. Citation will win both the elimination and final,” said Lähdekorpi.

When he was asked why he doesn’t believe in Mr Muscleman, who has gone the fastest mile this year, Lähdekorpi’s answer was, “People have to understand that it’s different at the Meadowlands. That’s a super fast track and the times are about a second and a half faster than in Sweden. Tell (trainer) Noel Daley that he will get a shock when Mr Muscleman cannot go faster than 1:54.4.”

Daley responded by saying he will let his horse do the talking.