by Karsten Bønsdorf, USTA Newsroom Senior Correspondent

Will Per Eriksson get an invitation to race Royal Fighter from his stable in the Elitlopp?

Kanal 75 photo

Royal Fighter was a winner in 1:52.2f.

Twice a winner of the Hambletonian and a leading trainer of trotters in the United States for many years, Per Eriksson now trains in his home country of Sweden and Wednesday evening he sent the 7-year-old trotter Royal Fighter out to win at Solvalla in 1:52.2f — the fastest time in Europe in 2015.

Royal Fighter, driven by Jennifer Tillman, battled for the lead in the first quarter, which was timed in :26.3, and managed to hold off the favorite Quick Fix, driven by Lutfi Kolgjini. Around the last bend Royal Fighter and Tillman left the field and even though Royal Fighter tired the last 100 yards, he won by a length, followed by Daley Lovin, driven by Daniel Reden.

“I have aimed Royal Fighter for this race and for the Elitlopp, and if we get an invitation to race we are ready,” Eriksson said after the win.

Royal Fighter is sired by legendary trotter Varenne and lowered his mark from 1:54.3f.

So far 11 trotters have been invited to race in the Elitlopp. This Saturday Creatine will try to qualify in a mile event at Gavle, where he will meet Maven, who already has been invited.