German runners in France today

some large fields at Longchamp this afternoon and plenty of German-trained runners. Sascha Smcrzek kicks off with Sina (Henk Grewe) in the tiercé handicap over 2000 metres at 13.35, but as always, this is a very difficult race. Werner Baltromei follows up with two runners in the 3yo maidens at 14.05 and 14.35, Ustilago and Glady Romana, both partnered by Dominique Boeuf. Their day will come, but probably later in the season.

The best German chance of the day is Jens Hirschberger´s Next Vision (Christophe Soumillon) in the conditions race for 4yo´s over 2000 metres at 16.10. Next Vision was a very easy winner of a minor event at Düsseldorf a month ago, his first race after finishing fifth in last year´s Mehl-Mülhens-Rennen. He is reckoned be up to group race class, but will need to be as the opposition is also pretty hot.

There are no fewer than 7 German-trained runners in the claiming race over a mile at 16.40. The race is for apprentice jockeys, and possibly Owentuo (Stefan Wegner/ Cedric Gueunde), Electric Roi (Hans-Walter Hiller/ Romain Briard) and Daudet (Hans Blume/ Romain Perruchot) have the best prospects in a huge field. Finally Heinz Hesse saddles Perfect Courtesy (Mathieu Sautjeu) in the second divison of the 2000 metres handicap at 18.10.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Marendinio - Crumpett - Touching Kings
2. Race: Flagstaff - Selwyn - Platinum
3. Race: Satwa Tune - Painting - Skia
4. Race: Talissa - Daisy Fay - Turtle Of My Heart
5. Race: Maitre Lagrange - Surely A Rock - Malinoise
6. Race: Ashaaq - Next Vision - Darjani
7. Race: Grand Nordique - Owentuo - Daudet
8. Race: Kersimon - Minikos - San Real