The sky was free of clouds and the sun was shining at Solvalla this day.
One after another the horses came out on the track for the obigatory parade. After some warmup the horses lined up behind the car as it began to move down the track.
Cheerful Ship found a gap and took the lead. Lucinda Cherry followed before Lucky Heat. Fracas showed unexperience when he was disqualified for galloping.
Teen Spirit quickly put pressure on the leader and could take the lead after 500m.