TRAINER Brad Hewitt is sure The Locomotive will make his mark in Sweden.
And he could race again as soon as Sunday week.
The reigning Inter Dominion winner will continue his Swedish campaign despite the disappointment of missing a spot in the Elitlopp final last Sunday.
Hewitt was deflated with the result but “stoked” with The Locomotive’s effort when sixth in the second Elitlopp heat where only the first four progressed to the final two hours later.
“We just had no hope the way the race was run. They walked and really just dashed home the last 350m. The last half was 54.6 and they went 26 and change for the last quarter, while we were back last,” he said.
“I was stoked with how he finished it off and how strong he was on the line. He felt great.”
Hewitt snagged the five-year-old back from his wide draw (gate seven) and settled last of the eight runners, while his key rivals dictated terms up front and filled the top three placings (Don Fanucci Jet beat Borups Victory with Hohneck third).
“It was always going to be a big challenge and then the wide draw made it so much harder, almost impossible to be honest,” Hewitt said.
“It’s disappointing on that level, but I was proud of the way he finished the race off against some of the best trotters in the world.
“He came through the run well. He pulled-up great and his heart rate showed he’s very fit.
“It’s given us the confidence we need to push on and leave him here for another few races.”
Hewitt will return home to his big team of horses in Goulburn, leaving The Locomotive with trainer Susanne Frang, partner of champion driver Magnus Djuse.
First reports said The Locomotive’s next start would be in the Group 1 Norbottens Stora Pris in Boden on June 14, but Hewitt hopes it will be sooner.
“He came through it so well and didn’t have a hard run. He’s raring to go,” he said.
“I’m heading home now, but the last thing I hope to do is sort a race for him before the one in Boden. That’s three weeks away, I’d love him to run again before then.
“I genuinely think he can do something good over here, especially when the races get out to 2000m or 2200m, which will suit him even better.”
Hewitt said there was no fixed return date to Australia for The Locomotive.
“Given the Inter Dominion is in July and he’ll miss it, there isn’t much for him back home until early next year,” Hewitt said.
“As long as he’s going to be competitive, it makes sense to leave him there for another few races to try and pick up a placing in a feature, which would only enhance his value as a stallion for later on.
“It’s really a race-by-race thing from here. I’m told there are plenty of options for him here.”
Hewitt said the whole Elitlopp experience was beyond belief.
"Nothing prepares you for it. You watch at home, but to be here and feel the energy and passion for it all ... it's nuts," he said.
"We didn't get the result we hoped for, but we've all had the experience of a lifetime and the support and respect for our horse over here has been incredible."
