Taft's Column: Sweden's Best Race Attracts The Best

Next weekend gives the racing world a huge treat. We get to show off horseracing's most sought-after event: Elitlopp. This year's competition has no less than four superstar contestants, and everyone has their own special favorite.

When I first saw Commander Crowe race, what now feels like ages ago, what made me really open my eyes and take notice was his nearly flawless gait. Even after winning some grueling events, he paraded in front of the racegoers with a spring in his step that looked nothing like any other trotter I had ever seen. When a horse has an incredibly easy-going way of hitting the ground, one can understand why he goes on to race superbly time after time.

On one of those occasions, I remarked about this fact to another person who has been involved in racing for many, many years. His reaction to my comment didn't strike me as genuinely receptive. Maybe he didn't agree, or maybe he just didn't get the point. Regardless, Commander Crowe has won a ton of races against some of the toughest competitors in the world. When he won last week in Oslo, Norway, he truly did it in the fashion of his first name. And, after the race, he paraded for the people in his easy-going, relaxed manner like a walk in the park.

Yes, there are some powerful entries in the Elitlopp: Rapide Lebel; Brioni; Sanity; Beanie M.M., just to mention a few of the other notables. Anyone could give good reason to place one of them at the top of the most-probable list. I realize that racing twice in one day is a real challenge, and only the very best can withstand such a task. Greatness is never an accident, and real talent is most often the winner.

I always welcome your comments and questions: robert.taft@konsult.atg.se