Elitlopp: Pinkman wins undercard stake

In the race before the Elitlopp, defending Hambletonian champion Pinkman held off a surging Uncle Lasse to win the prestigious Grade 2 Fyraåringseliten for 4-year-olds.

Pinkman started from post two for Yannick Gingras, and he would clear to the lead in the first turn. He was challenged on the outside by Divisionist (Jorma Kontio) after striking the front, but Pinkman kept that foe at bay into the lane.

In the stretch Pinkman continued to show the way, but Uncle Lasse (Orjan Kihlstrom), who was third in the Hambletonian last year, came with a rush from off cover. Pinkman would hold on, though, winning by half a length in 1:52 2/5. Divisionist wound up third.

It was the 18th career victory for Pinkman, a gelded son of Explosive Matter trained by Jimmy Takter for owners Christina Takter, John and Jim Fielding, Joyce McClelland, and Herb Liverman.