Last Preparations For Prix d´Amérique

Expectations are high and dreams can come true in Paris on Sunday. Stefan Hultman is fine-tuning his star Maharajah for Prix D´Amerique and the last preparations have been according to schedule.


Preparations Started In 2009
Maharajah, now six years old, was outstanding in his crop and the last victory in Prix De Belgique (Prix Paris Turf) pushed his career bankroll to just over $1,6 million. As a 3-year-old, he won nine out of twelve entries, and banked $480,000. The major victories were the E3 final over middle distance and the Kriterium over 2640 meters (1 5/8th mile). After winning the Kriterium, he immediately became the favorite to win the Swedish Trotting Derby the following year old over the given distance. Maharajah managed the double and crushed the defenders after a race outside of the leader. He continued by winning the Prix de I´UET for 4-year-olds in Tammerfors and summarized the year with five wins in eight entries, banking more than $700,000. Last year as a 5-year-old, Maharajah struggled some growing into the elite, but finished second behind Lisa America in Oslo Grand Prix and won C.L Müller’s Memorial at Jägersro raceway. Maharajah has always had strength as his primary weapon and the long distance in Prix d´Amérique should suit him well. According to trainer Stefan Hultman, they have been aiming at the race since he won the Derby in 2009.


An Easy Victory in Prix De Belgique
The first part of the final preparation took place two weeks ago when Maharajah won Prix De Belgique at 1.13,1/2850 meters (1 6/8th mile). As usually, Örjan Kihlström sat in the bike and escorted the Swedish born stallion (by sir Viking Kronos, dam Chili Khan) through the chaos from start and overtook the lead after 600 meters. Once in front, Kihlström kept the pace high and increased the speed on the home stretch. Maharajah was alone one the finishing line with Nuit Torride and Oasis Gede behind. Kihlström seemed satisfied, the whip rested over his shoulder and he won without pulling the earplugs from his horse.


Can Become Viking Kronos’ No 1
Maharajah is sire Viking Kronos’ (by American Winner – Conch) second most successful offspring, only Triton Sund – also trained by Stefan Hultman – has banked more money ($2,334,500). Dam Chili Khan (by Giant Chill - Stevie Nicks) was herself a good trotter with ten wins out of 35 entries. She earned $160,000 and finished third in the Breeders Crown Final female division as a 3-year-old.


Will Be 20 Meters Better on Sunday
Maharajah had his final intervals at Grobois on Monday (January 24) and trainer Hultman was very optimistic after the heats. “He should be 20 meters better on Sunday than in Prix de Belgique, which is also a necessity if he should win Prix d´Amérique”, Hultman said. He has since long put his faith in Maharajah’s capacity and as long as the horse does not fall out of rhythm and become disqualified, he has a good chance to win Prix d´Amérique and Hultman’s biggest dream can come true.