IDEE 153rd German Derby - the race of the year

Hamburg, Sunday, July 03 - The wait is over, the excitement knows no bounds: On Sunday, Hamburg will crown the Derby hero in the IDEE 153rd German Derby (Group I, 650,000 euros, 2,400 m). In addition to the prize of 390,000 euros, there is of course a great deal of prestige to be gained when the successor to last year`s winner Sisfahan is chosen from the field of 20 candidates.

In the past, it was mostly the protagonists of the Union who played a major role here. Sammarco (B. Murzabayev) and So Moonstruck, the ride of top jockey Frankie Dettori, are certainly to be expected as the top two finishers from the Cologne test again far in front. Who ends up winning the Derby, of course, is another matter.

Ardakan (C. Lecoeuvre) as Derby Italiano winner, Lavello (A. de Vries) who shone in the Bavarian Classic, the Wöhler horses Alessio (R. Piechulek, Union third) and Queroyal (E. Pedroza) Trial winner in Iffezheim), the Düsseldorf Trial winner Nerik (S. Vogt), the Diana Trial winner Wagnis (H. Doyle), Assistant (C. Fallon), who performed well in Hanover, or the Guineas runner-up Mylady (R. Kingscote) - the line-up is teeming with possible final candidates in the race of the year, of which Markus Klug has the largest contingent with seven horses.

The final day of the Derby week with twelve races between 10:50 am and 5:45 pm is an absolute feast day with two more group tests (for mares). In the Sparkasse Holstein Cup (Group III, 55,000 euros, 1,600 m), Dishina (B. Murzabayev) or Mythicara (S. Vogt) are two of the hopefuls who will face interesting guest mares.

In the Mehl Mülhens Trophy (Group III, 55,000 euros, 2,200 m), there is a lot to be said for Mountaha (L. Dettori), as her Cologne Group score was breathtaking.

Two BBAG Auction races and an Equalization I also appeal to class gallopers. The bettors can look forward to two foursomes. 22,222 euros beckon as a payout in the 7th race (Rudolf August Oetker Memorial Race), 11,111 euros are up for grabs in the 12th race (Equalizer III, 2,200 m). The first five races plus the Derby are part of the PMU program.