The stage is set for the Elitlopp of the century!
The pulse is still high after the track draw - where the two favorites Francesco Zet and Idao de Tillard both got trial tracks a bit out behind Solvalla's starting car turn.
SEK 5 million is at stake in the Elitlopp final - the way there is via two trials where the top four compete in Elitloppet - Stig H Johansson's Cup.
Top seeded Francesco Zet comes to the Elitloppet with 18 straight wins and coach Daniel Redén sounded pleased when Francesco Zet was awarded track five in the second attempt.
For the other top seeded, French Prix d'Amérique winner Idao de Tillard, driven by 26-year-old Clement Duvaldestin who makes his debut on Swedish soil during Friday's races at Solvalla - got track eight! A monster performance is required of both horse and driver as they are pitted against Elitlopp winner 2021 Don Fanucci Zet, last year's runner-up Go On Boy and the super mare Joviality.
Francesco Zet, for his part, will try to wrestle down last year's Elitlopp winner and Solvalla expert Hohneck, who also won the UET Elite Circuit Final for his constant companion Gabriele Gelormini.
France has 26 victories in Elitlopp history, Sweden 25. Which flag will be raised after the final on Sunday?
Trial 1 Track Horse (Land) - Driver
1 Denver Gio (Italy) - Björn Goop
2 Don Fanucci Zet (Sweden) - Magnus A Djuse
3 Go On Boy (France) - Roman Derieux
4 Joviality (Sweden) - Erik Adielsson
5 Capital Mail (Italy) - Antonio di Nardo
6 Önas Prince (Sweden) - Per Nordström
7 A Fair Day (Sweden) - Oscar Ginman
8 Idao de Tillard (France) - Clement Duvaldestin
Trial 2
1 Hustle Rain (Denmark) - Mats E Djuse
2 Hohneck (France) - Gabriele Gelormini
3 Gaspar de Brion (France) - Matthieu Abrivard
4 Horsy Dream (France) - Eric Raffin
5 Francesco Zet (Sweden) - Örjan Kihlström
6 Decision Maker (Sweden) - Carl Johan Jepson
7 Borups Victory (Sweden) - Daniel Wäjersten
8 Bengurion Jet (Italy) - Alessandro Gocciadoro
In the spectator area, there is a carnival feeling as the entire facility becomes a serving area where thousands of trotting fans take the stage to cheer on their favorite. It vibrates with excitement, atmosphere and high pulse. This year, you want to be able to say "I was there!"
Because Elitloppet 2024 has all the makings of a classic that will be talked about for a long time to come.
Elitloppet will be held on Sunday May 26, 2024 at Solvalla.
