Maven is definitely not lucky, when the draw for the post positions take place. Last time at Solvalla, she got number 8, this time number 10 and thus had to race from the second tier behind the gate. Despite that, she was the heavy favorite in the betting at ½.
Johnny Takter eased her from start and it was 10-year old Noras Bean driven by Stefan Söderkvist, who soon was in command.
Noras Bean cut the fractions in the 1 5/16 mile event at 57 at the half mile and 1.25.4 at the ¾ mile. With half a mile to go Johnny Takter made his move, but Maven was forced to trot three wide round the last bend.
She tried to catch Noras Bean, but it was impossible and Noras Bean was first past the post in 1.54.2f (mile rate), while Maven just managed to finish second, beaten 1,5 length and timed in 1.54.4f.
The victory earned Noras Bean an invitation to the Olympic Trot – Maven already has a wild card and that will be her next race a fortnight from now.
However, Noras Bean went lame off the track and his future as a racehorse is in jeopardy. He was immediately X-rayed, but no fracture was found.
Time will tell if he will be able to return to racing.