After another impressive win in the Preferred Trot Monday at Woodbine Racetrack, the connections of Take My Picture have accepted an invitation to the Elitlopp, which will be held on May 26 at the Solvalla Racetrack in Stockholm, Sweden.
The six-year-old son of Classic Photo, trained by Nikolas Drennan, has banked $742,832 in his career for owners Joseph and Laurie Davino of Clarksburg, New Jersey.
“I really became aware of the horse when he became the fastest in Canada,” longtime Elitlopp liaison Klaus Koch told Woodbine's communications department. “With Mister Herbie out with a hoof injury, I wanted to have another [North American] representative."
The 19-time winner was shipped to Canada to Drennan’s father, John, in early February where he found immediate success.
The gelding has posted an impressive 6-1-1 from nine starts on Canadian soil. Take My Picture's most impressive victory came two starts ago on April 22 when he became the fastest trotter this season in Canada with a 1:52.3 career-best effort.
“As I watched Take My Picture race, I saw a very strong horse with a very good attitude and fighting spirit,” said Koch. “I was told that he is a very sound horse and I think he will cope with two races on the same day.”
Take My Picture is set to leave for Europe on Monday.
"He's pretty brave right now, so I think we'll be in good shape,” Nikolas Drennan told harnessracing.com. "The thing about going, you only live once, and who knows if you'll be able to go again."
Jody Jamieson has been asked to drive the trotter for his European campaign.
"Jack [Moiseyev] has been driving, but he doesn't want to fly, and I talked to [the owners] last Friday night at the Meadowlands and they wanted a Canadian driver,” said Drennan. "They told me that if Jack couldn't go, then to go get Jody. That's what we came up with.”
The connections of Timoko (France), Sebastian K (Sweden), Maharajah (Sweden), Shaq Is Back (Sweden), Nesta Effe (Italy), Mack Grace SM (Italy), Brad De Veluwe (Finland), Arch Madness (USA), and Formula One (Finland) have also confirmed invitations to compete in the prestigious event according to the race's website while six spots remain open in the field.
(With files from WEG and harnessracing.com)
Just ask Wally Hennessey
Just ask Wally Hennessey about that experience when he drove Moni Maker to victory there in the Elitlopp. Jody will be impressed to participate in such a classy event, well run, well marketed, and well bet. The party-like atmosphere along with the upbeat music,with 33,000 or so respectful and happy-go-lucky Swedes and visitors, will bring Jody great memories for life. Good luck Jody-always a great ambassador for Canadian harness racing!