Sweden has a strong tradition of success in this class, with two of the last three winners coming from the host nation. This year, the local crowd will have plenty of reasons to cheer.

The Hometown Heroes

Peder Fredricson & Catch Me Not S

A Swedish legend, Peder Fredricson enters with the highest-rated Swedish horse of the weekend, Catch Me Not S, boasting an Elo of 742. While his main focus may be Sunday’s World Cup qualifier—where he needs a strong podium finish to secure a World Cup Final spot—he will no doubt be looking for a confidence-boosting result in front of the home fans.

Henrik von Eckermann & Toveks Azaria Dinero

Henrik von Eckermann, the reigning World No.1, will also take center stage. Toveks Azaria Dinero is a relatively new horse for Henrik, having only taken over the ride from his student Evelina Tovek in November. However, they have already shown their competitiveness, securing two Top 8 finishes in 150 and 155 classes in La Coruña, as well as a strong 4th place in a 160 class in Geneva. The home crowd will be behind them as they look to continue their upward trajectory.

Jens Fredricson & Diarado’s Rose Elith

Another Swedish favorite, Jens Fredricson, enters with a 5% win chance, keeping him in the conversation among the top contenders. They showed solid form in Thursday’s 150 jump-off class, incurring just 4 faults, and will be aiming to build on that performance.

The International Challengers

A handful of international stars will be looking to spoil the Swedish party.

Maikel van der Vleuten & Elwikke

Coming in as one of the top favorites with a 9% win chance, Maikel van der Vleuten and Elwikke have already made their mark in Gothenburg. They finished third in the 145 speed class on Thursday and have proven themselves highly competitive at this level, with podium finishes in both 145 and 150 classes in Madrid last year. A serious contender for victory.

Max Kühner & EIC Up Too Jacco Blue

Also entering with a 9% win chance, Max Kühner brings a consistent and highly competitive mount in EIC Up Too Jacco Blue. Expect them to be near the top of the leaderboard if they find their rhythm.

Martin Fuchs & L&L Lorde

The Swiss superstar Martin Fuchs brings an exciting up-and-coming horse in L&L Lorde. In the past 12 months, this pair has a perfect record in 5* 150 classes, with 5 clears from 5 rounds. They also finished 7th in yesterday’s 145 speed class, showing they are in strong form heading into Friday’s showdown.

Building on Yesterday’s Success

A handful of riders will be carrying momentum into this class after strong performances in Thursday’s 150 jump-off.

Wilma Hellström and Mr Vain delivered a solid performance in Thursday’s 150 jump-off, finishing seventh with a confident double-clear round. Though still gaining experience at this level, their form suggests they are steadily improving. 

Marco Kutscher and Catelly also impressed yesterday, securing eighth place with another double-clear effort. This result reinforces their already strong record, having now jumped clear in all three of their 150-level starts at CSI4* and CSI5* over the past year. 

Meanwhile, Mario Stevens and Carrie 22 continued their streak of consistency, adding yet another first-round 5* 150 clear to their name. With an outstanding 82% clear rate at this level, they head into tonight’s class as one of the most reliable combinations in the field.

Tuning Up for Sunday’s World Cup

Some of the biggest names in the sport will be using this class as a key preparation round ahead of Sunday’s World Cup qualifier.

Harrie Smolders & Monaco

With a 9% win chance, Harrie Smolders enters as one of the favorites, but he may take this as an opportunity to fine-tune Monaco for Sunday’s major test.

Denis Lynch & Vistogrand

A proven performer at 5* 150 level, Vistogrand has jumped clear in 10 of 13 rounds at this height over the past year. Denis is looking for valuable World Cup points in Gothenburg, needing a Top 9 finish on Sunday to stay in contention for a Finals spot in Basel.

Who Will Reign in Gothenburg?

With past winners of this class showcasing a mix of international stars and home favorites, history suggests a tightly contested battle. Can Sweden claim another victory in front of their home crowd, or will one of the traveling challengers steal the show? One thing is certain—Friday night will be fast, furious, and full of drama.

Let the race for the Agria Prize begin!