If there was still any doubt at all about who is the really big sprint star of the moment in Scandinavian racing, the discussion is over. Annike Bye Hansen’s five-year-old Aphelios crushed all opposition on Sunday in Polar Cup (L) and relegated his stable companion Youonlyliveonce to second place by 12 lengths.
Around the home turn Youonlyliveonce (Sidestep) together with Duca Di Como (Clodovil) had taken a clear lead over the rest of the field, but Elione Chaves had complete control of events in third with Aphelios.
Into the straight the Brazilian still sat perfectly still, and the Kodiac son moved up alongside and then past his rivals with the greatest of ease.
After that it was a sheer procession for the horse still unbeaten on grass in Scandinavia, and he secured the first prize of NOK 250,000 for Väsby Häst AB, who likewise received 102,500 kroner for second place.
In third Niels Petersen’s Soulofchess (Gutaifan) finished strongest of the rest and relegated the Lennart J:r Reuterskiöld-trained Mountain (Eishin Dunkirk) and Nina Lensvik’s Sanary (Invincible Spirit) to the last of the money.
Outside the prize money followed Sunday Fudge (Reliable Man), Duca Di Como and Hotline Bling (Cotai Glory).
Aphelios has grown into international class since Walter and Martin Buick found and bought him at last year’s Tattersalls October Horses In Training Sale for Väsby Häst AB, but whether we will see him on the continent this season is probably doubtful, as in just a few weeks he already has his next big assignment on the programme in Bro Park Sprint Championship (L).
