Just a week after his romp in SM Classic over 2,100 metres on turf, Madeleine Smith’s nine-year-old Espen Hill impressively went on to win the year’s last Listed Race, Songline Classic, over 2,000 metres on dirt at Bro Park. It was the second Songline Classic triumph for the Helsinki son.
He had to fight rather harder for the victory now than a week earlier, because in mid-straight Niels Petersen’s Peas And Carrots Mile (L) winner Lord Mountbatten (Connect) looked capable of getting home after making all.
Lord Mountbatten battled fiercely, but his stride grew shorter and shorter, while Espen Hill once again knew exactly where the finishing line is at Bro Park.
“Now he gets a winter break, and my big target for next year is the Stockholm Cup”, said Madeleine Smith after the triumph.
Espen Hill here took his 19th win from 41 starts, and the Katarina Jacobson-bred gelding is now within touching distance of 4.5 million Swedish kronor in total prize money.
