by Karsten Bønsdorf, USTA Senior Newsroom Correspondent

Volstead driven by Ôrjan Kihlström won the Sweden Cup Saturday (May 27) afternoon at Solvalla in front of 26,442 fans. The 5-year-old trotter won an elimination as well as the final and picked up a total of $80,000.

Gerard Forni photo

Volstead wins the Sweden Cup in front of more than $26,000 fans at Solvalla on Saturday afternoon.

Volstead won his elimination in 1.52.1 and the final in 1.51.3 – the latter is so far, the best time in Europe this year. But tomorrow – when the Elitlopp is raced at Solvalla – that time could easily be lowered.

Perhaps it was an omen for owner/trainer Stefan Melander that Volstead won today.

Just like stable star Nuncio, Volstead has also been disappointing in his last three races, but today he sparkled and was able to win, though he was parked outside the leader most of the trip.

Hopefully, we will also see Nuncio sparkle Sunday in the Elitlopp, where he will meet French trotting star, Bold Eagle.

Volstead is sired by Cantab Hall and out of Madame Volo (Yankee Glide). He was bred by Arden Homestead Stable and A. J. Skoglund.

Another rich event Saturday at Solvalla was the Harper Hanover over nearly two miles.

Swedish trotter Sauveur driven by Björn Goop won by four lengths in 1.55.4 (mile rate), which is a new world record for the distance and with a standing start.

The purse for the winner was $57,500.