Issue 160 – 4th June 2021

Hello, and welcome to the latest Anglo German Racing Newsletter of 2021! This week, we look back at the history being made in first classic of the German season, the German 1000 Guineas at Düsseldorf, and a seventh victory for an unbeaten mare in a Group 2 mile race on the same card. We also preview a Group 2 contest at Mülheim.

Further afield, we look ahead to the Spanish Derby, and big racedays in , Italy and Slovakia.

For all the very latest information, please follow our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/anglogermanracing or check out our website at www.anglogermanracing.com which has now been updated. Don’t forget that we are also on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AngloGerRacing

Darren Thrussell, Editor

Photo left: Swiss jockey SIBYLLE VOGT, who became the first lady rider to win a German Classic when her mount NOVEMBA cruised to a 7½ lengths success in the German 1000 Guineas at Düsseldorf on Sunday. There is a report of the race on page 2 of this newsletter At (Video still copyright Wettstar / Deutscher Galopp).

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Imprint Email address [email protected] Anglo German Racing [email protected] Chief Editor: Darren Thrussell Published weekly

News Round-Up - Germany

HISTORY FOR VOGT AS NOVEMBA REIGNS IN GUINEAS

HISTORY was made on Sunday as SIBYLLE VOGT became the first lady rider to win a German Classic when her mount NOVEMBA cruised to a 7½ lengths success in the German 1000 Guineas at Düsseldorf.

Once again sponsored by German jewellers Wempe, the German 1000 Guineas saw twelve runners line up in what appeared to be an open looking contest. However,

Novemba, one of two runners in the race for trainer Peter Schiergen took the race by the scruff of the neck thanks to an enterprising ride from Swiss jockey Vogt.

Having led from the start, Novemba and Vogt piled on the pressure in the home straight to such a devastating effect that not only were the pair in splendid isolation as they crossed the finish line, but the time of 1:35:41 is believed the be the second fastest German 1000 Guineas in history, which is even more remarkable given the fact that the going was officially described as good to soft.

As Novemba turned the race into an absolute procession, her rivals

were set to battle it out for the places, with Sky Angel, trained in

France by Henri-Alex Pantall for the Godolphin operation led by

Skeikh Mohammed, just getting second ahead of the Markus

Klug-trained Belcarra.

You can see the race here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=UxE0GA6mQHs

Photo right: Swiss jockey

SIBYLLE VOGT (seen here at the

winner’s presentation with trainer Peter Schiergen), who became the first lady rider to win a German Classic when her mount NOVEMBA cruised to a 7½ lengths success in the German 1000 Guineas at Düsseldorf on Sunday (Video still copyright Wettstar / Deutscher Galopp).

News Round-Up - Germany

DÜSSELDORF: SEVEN UP AS JIN THE TONIC IN MEILE

THE rags to riches story of the incredible JIN JIN took another step on Sunday when the unbeaten five year old Irish-bred mare made it seven from seven in the Group 2 Grosser Aengevelt Immobilien Preis Badener Meile at Düsseldorf.

With the cancellation of the Spring Meeting at Baden-Baden this year, the Group 2 Badener Meile moved to the undercard of Sunday’s 1000 Guineas raceday at

Düsseldorf. Eight runners contested year’s renewal of the race, however all eyes appeared to be on Jin Jin, who was sent off the well supported 31/10 favourite for the race.

Bought for just 4,000 Euros by current owner Sabine Goldberg at the Goffs Open Yearling Sale in October 2017, Jin Jin was sent to Hannover-based trainer Bohumil Nedorostek. Unraced as a two year old, Jin Jin made her racecourse debut at three, winning a maiden race and a pair of small handicaps. However, last year saw Jin Jin scale new heights.

After winning two Listed races at Baden-Baden and Hannover respectively, Jin Jin contested the Group 3 Prix Perth at Saint Cloud in October, and won the race comfortably, beating some high class opposition the process. Having moved from Nedorostek’s yard to the stables of Cologne-based Andreas Suborics for this season, Jin Jin took up the running early on under jockey Bauyrzhan Murzabayev, and was never seriously challenger, coming home 2½ lengths clear of Alpen Rose, who was giving French trainer Henri-Alex Pantall his second runner-up finish of the day after Sky Angel filled the same place in the German 1000 Guineas earlier in the day.

However, despite the resounding victory, trainer Andreas Suborics revealed that Jin Jin wasn’t fully fit after her seven month racecourse absence ‘She was only about 85% today as she had a small problem a few weeks ago, but I’m really happy to have such a good horse, and she’s a class act’, said Suborics, who also mentioned that Jin Jin

may head to Deauville for a Group 1 contest in the future.

You can see Sunday’s race here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9wEq8DltLE

Photo left: Jockey BAUYRZHAN MURZABAYEV, who partnered the incredible JIN JIN to her seventh victory from seven starts in the Group 2 Grosser Aengevelt Immobilien Preis Badener Meile at Düsseldorf on Sunday (Photo copyright Stefanie Ihlenburg / Anglo German Racing).

News Round-Up - Germany

MÜLHEIM: TOP LINE-UP FOR GROUP 2 CONTEST

THREE of the first four past the post in last year’s German Derby renew rivalries on Sunday in a high class Group 2 contest at Mülheim on Sunday.

Now known as the Grosser Preis der RP Gruppe, most racegoers will be aware of the race by its previous name, the Grosser Preis der Badischen Wirtschaft, one of the main races at the Baden-Baden Spring Festival. However, with that meeting cancelled this year, Mülheim has found itself the recipient of the re-branded 2200 metre contest.

TORQUATOR TASSO was second in last year’s German Derby, followed over the line by GROCER JACK and KASPAR. However, Grocer Jack was disqualified and placed last after subsequently testing positive for a banned substance. Although Torquator Tasso confirmed the form in the Grosser Preis von Berlin (Kaspar third, Grocer Jack fourth), it should be pointed out that both Kaspar and Grocer Jack have run this season, whilst Torquator Tasso has a six month absence to overcome. However, despite that, Torquator Tasso should have the class to defeat his rivals again here,

The Henk Grewe-trained pair ADRIAN and ONLY THE BRAVE were seventh and eighth respectively in the aforementioned German Derby last year, and although both horses have won Listed races this year, each one falls just short of what is required here. There are no such worries however regarding NERIUM, who had Kaspar 2½ lengths behind when winning the Group 2 Carl Jaspers Preis at Cologne last month. Having progressed from handicap to Group company last year, the Peter Schiergen- trained Nerium could well prove to be the biggest threat to Torquator Tasso,

The field is completed by the one overseas runner in the race, NOBLE MUSIC, who makes the journey over from trainer Jerome Reynier’s stables in France. However, despite being German-bred and currently French-trained, Noble Music made her racecourse debut for English trainer Ralph Beckett in a maiden race at in March 2019, finishing third to subsequent high-class Group winners Bangkok and Telecaster. Despite the first two in the race going on to enjoy stellar careers, things didn’t quite work out the same for Noble Music who, after finishing last of ten n a Listed race at Bath, moved to Irish trainer Michael O’Meara, winning two races last year. Having moved to current connections this year, Noble Music was last seen when winning a Listed race at Longchamp over 2800 metres last month. Having finished second to Brokeback Mountain (third in a Group 2 at Berlin last month) on her French debut in January, Noble Music has a decent form line, however, such is the quality on offer on Sunday that the five year old mare might be up against it here.

PREDICTION: TORQUATOR TASSO - NERIUM - KASPAR - GROCER JACK

News Round-Up - Europe

TOP FRENCH JOCKEY IN SPANISH DERBY BID

ELTON John once sang ‘Saturday Night’s all right for fighting’, but it’s a case of ‘Saturday Night’s all right for Racing’ this weekend in Madrid, when the La Zarzuela course holds this year’s Premio Villapadierna Spanish Derby.

Due to the extreme hot weather forecast in Madrid this weekend, Saturday’s racemeeting, which also features the Spanish Oaks, is being run as an evening meeting with the last race of the day going off at 11:00 pm local time. The Derby itself is a late starterAlthough at 9:15this year’spm local Crystal time, Cupand hasEuropean attracted Cross a field Country of thirteen series home was- trainedcancelled runners. due

Fivto thee of CoronavirusSaturday’s field pandemic, met last racecourse month in the organisers Premio Velayos, at Wroclaw one inof Polandthe main are trials still for thisgoing race. ahead On with that their occasion, planned SINCELEJO Crystal Cup beatrace, DANKOwhich takes by aplace length, on Sunday. with CHIEF OF

STALL,Thirteen TOPA runners and like PORTOFINO up for the following 172,000 in PLN that (approx order. However,38,365 EUR) Danko contest, was giving with all hischallengers rivals two from kilos Germany, that day Italy thanks and tothe a Czechpenalty Republicfor winning taking a Listed on some race locally back- in October,trained horses and with in athe international combination looking on level cross weights country on Saturdaystyle steeplechase and the booking over 5500 of top Frenchmetres. jockey Olivier Peslier, Danko could be the one to beat here.

DOMI GO won all his three races as a two year old, but hasn’t hit those heights in his two races this season, including last time out when fifth in the Spanish 2000 Guineas, one place ahead of MEXICO CITY, who re-opposes again here.

Possibly the most interesting horse in the race is DAYSHANN, who makes his Spanish debut here after having left French trainer Jean-Claude Rouget’s stables last month. Winner of one of his four races in France, Dayshann, who was previously owned by his breeder the Aga Khan, has never raced over further that 1800 metres so far, However, being by 2015 winner Golden Horn out of a mare who won over 2600 metres in France, Dayshann could go really well here upped in trip.

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News Round-Up - Europe

SLOVAKIA: GROUP 1 STARS SET TO DO BATTLE

Some of the best horses in central Europe head to Slovakia this weekend when the annual Turf Gala takes place at the Petrzalka track in on Sunday.

The richest race of the day is the 26,000 Euro Velka cena Slovenska, a Group 3 contest over 2400 metres. Runners from Austria, Poland and the Czech Republic take on the local challengers in a race which sees two of central Europe’s best recent middle distance horses of recent years go head to head.

AlthoughSUBWAY this DANCER year’s Crystal wrote Cup himself European into history Cross whenCountry following series was home cancelled the legendary due toCracksman the Coronavirus and Crystal pandemic, Ocean racecourseto finish third organisers in the Group at Wroclaw 1 Qipco inChampion Poland are Stakes still at goingAscot aheadin 2018, with becoming their planned the first Crystal Czech Cup-trained race, whichhorse takesever toplace be placedon Sunday. in a Group 2 race in England. Having raced exclusively in France since his Ascot exploits, Subway ThirteenDancer won runners a Group like 2 up contest for the at 172,000 Longchamp PLN in (approx October 38,365 2019. EUR)Despite contest, that being with his challengersonly victory froin m his Germany, last 30 races, Italy and Subway the Czech Dancer Republic has been taking a regular on some and locallyconsistent- trainedrunner horses at Group in a leve internationall in France, looking and cross made country his seasonal style steeplechase debut in April over this 5500 year, metres.finishing third in a conditions race at Fontainebleau.

However, Subway Dancer may face a stern test on Sunday, most notably in the form of the Irish-bred OPASAN, trained locally by Jozef Chodur, and Slovakia’s Horse of the Year in 2020. Purchased at the Tattersalls 2018 December Yearling Sale by current connections, Opasan landed the Group 3 Czech Derby at Prague on his third race of last season back in June, before taking on older horses for the first time in the Group 1 Kincsem Dij at . Displaying has now customary rapid turn of foot in the home straight, Opasan grabbed his fifth win in succession. Despite suffering a shock defeat on his season debut last month after going down by a short head to KILLWORT, who also runs on Sunday, Opasan, who is 3 kilos better off here, should be fit and ready to take on the international star that is Subway Dancer.

Although Sunday’s race appears to be a two horse race, there is a fine supporting cast who may have the potential to get involved. Polish raider NIGHT TORNADO won his home St. Leger in September before going on to finish second to the high class Nagano Gold in the Group 1 Wielka Warszawska a month later. CARLO BIRAGHI won a 22- runner hurdle race at Punchestown (his only race over jumps) when trained in Ireland by Fozzy Stack, but was around nine lengths behind Killwort and Opasan here last month. MARKONI LP was third in that race, and the former Serbian-trained runner now with Czech trainer Vaclav Luka, could go well at a big price here.

Austrian-trained MAGNENTIUS has already won three races in France this season, albeit racing at a lower level than Subway Dancer, whilst DARKOLVA, who started his career in Ireland with trainer Joseph O’Brien, was second in this race the last time it was run back in 2019.

News Round-Up - Europe

HUNGARY: TOP TURNOUT FOR GROUP 1 CONTEST

A Group 1 contest, a Hungarian Derby trial and a competitive looking hurdle race feature on a top day of racing at the Kincsem Park track at Budapest on Sunday.

The big race of the day Is the Group 1 Millennium Dij over 1800 metres. Seven horses are set to line up, with probable favourite the Irish-bred mare GOLDEN SEA, a regular at the highest level in Hungary having won both the Hungarian 2000 Guineas and Derby in 2019. Bulgarian-born Stanislav Georgiev, who trains Golden Sea, has elected to ride the mare over his other runner, CALABRESE, who was a fine second in last Althoughyear’s Hungarian this year’s St. Crystal Leger, Cupbut wasEuropean only on Cross his seasonalCountry seriesreappearance was canc atelled Bratislava due toin theApril. Coronavirus pandemic, racecourse organisers at Wroclaw in Poland are still going ahead with their planned Crystal Cup race, which takes place on Sunday. Slovakian jockey Zdenko Smida has an excellent record in this race, having won it in Thirteen2011, 2015 runners and likefor the up lastfor the two 172,000 years. This PLN time (approx around, 38,365 Smida EUR) takes contest, the ridewith on challeCHARLIEngers FIRPO, from Germany, second in Italythis race and last the year Czech behind Republic the Smida taking- ridden on some Zoriana, locally who- traineddoesn’t horses run here. in aSecond international behind looking Golden cross Sea incountry his last style two steeplechaseraces, Charlie over Firpo’s 5500 task metres.isn’t made easier by the fact he has to give Golden Sea weight again here.

WINTER TALE and MR PENNY have decent form in lower grade races, but take a big step up in class here, whilst IMPRESSION, formerly trained in England by Amy Murphy, was placed twice at Group 1 level in Hungary last year, but has a six months absence to overcome on Sunday. WASMY was third behind Golden Sea and Charlie Firpo here last month, but is worse off at the weight with both runners on Sunday.

The line-up is completed by the very interesting NEAR POET, who ran at the highest level in Germany, and makes his debut for new Hungarian trainer Gabor Maronka here. Third in a Group 3 contest at Krefeld in November 2019, Near Poet contested the Group 1 German Derby at Hamburg last July, and sent off an 89-1 outsider, was well beaten. Having finished no better than fourth in four Group 3 races in Germany, Near Poet was sent to France for his last race, winning an amateur riders conditions race at Wissembourg, last month. Having only been with new connections for around three weeks, Near Poet, for whom Mongolian-born but German-based jockey Bayarsaikhan ‘Encki’ Ganbat travels over for the ride, is a very interesting runner, and one who could get involved here.

Elsewhere on the card, thirteen runners line up in the Alagi Dij, a Group 2 race for three years olds, regarded as one of the main trials for next month’s Hungarian Derby. The two favourites in the race look to be Hungarian 2000 Guineas winner EGGI’S CHOICE, and the German-bred SAMBO, unbeaten in all his three races to date.

Others to watch in the race are Italian import GRAYSCALE, who had good form in her homeland, and could go well on her Hungarian debut here, whilst English import ENVIOUS sprang a huge shock when winning last month’s Hungarian 1000 Guineas, and could be one to watch upped in trip.

News Round-Up - Europe

HUNGARY: TOP TURNOUT FOR GROUP 1 CONTEST (continued)

The first race of the day is the Krozus Gatverseny hurdle race. Six runners go to post, including SILENT WATER and MONT MASTER, second and third respectively over Sunday’s course and distance last month. KAPDARKEY was due to take part in that race, but ran loose before the start and was subsequently withdrawn. Possibly the most interesting runner in Sunday’s race is the six year old mare OKYPETA, who is believed to be the first ever Turkish-bred horse to run over hurdles. A dual winner on the flat at Istanbul in 2018, Okypeta was trained in Poland last year, but was beaten in all three racesAlthough on the this flat, year’s and Crystalnow tries Cup jumps European for the Crossfirst time Country here. series was cancelled due

to the Coronavirus pandemic, racecourse organisers at Wroclaw in Poland are still going ahead with their planned Crystal Cup race, which takes place on Sunday.

Thirteen runnersITALY like: OAKS up for DAY the AS 172,000 TOP STARS PLN (approx GET MERANO 38,365 EUR)ENTRIES contest, with challe ngers from Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic taking on some locally- THERE is a big day of racing coming up in Italy on Sunday. The Group 1 Italian Oaks trained horses in a international looking cross country style steeplechase over 5500 is the main attraction at Milan, where runners from Germany and England take on the metres. local hopes. ANOUSH appears to be the best of the German trio, having finished fourth in a Group 2 at Berlin last month, and appeals more that both other German raiders KHARSANG and NANIA, who each take a big step up in class here. However,

the sole English runner, INVITE, trained in Newmarket by Italian-born Marco Botti, looks to be the one to beat after the form of her Windsor handicap victory in April was

given a huge boost on Friday when Save a Forest, who placed second in that race, finished an excellent fourth in the Group 1 English Oaks at Epsom. Best of the local hopes looks to be EULAILA, who despite stepping up in class here, is unbeaten in all three of her races to date.

Meanwhile, Merano is the place for jump racing fans, as the course stages its first Pattern races of the season, the feature race on the card being the Listed Premio Lunedi di Pentecoste steeplechase. Although final declarations are currently not known, there are some top class entries for the race, including the brilliant L’ESTRAN, winner of Italy’s richest chase, the Group 1 Gran Premio Merano, for the last two

years. Fellow Group 1 chase winners NOTTI MAGHICHE and AL BUSTAN also hold entries, as does FIRST OF ALL, winner of all six of his races last year.

For all the latest news and race previews in Italy, please visit our colleagues at Italian : www.italianhorseracing.com

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