Derby starters at the start in Le Mans

Le Mans, Monday, 14 November: Numerous German quarters will be guests at Le Mans today, where former yearling hopefuls Only The Brave (Tony Piccone) and Soul Train (Clement Lecoeuvre) and from the stables of Henk Grewe and Andreas Wöhler respectively are expected to run in the opening Grand Prix Jean de Nicolay (1st race/11.40am/22,000 Euros/1950m).

Both ran in the German Derby two years ago and finished ninth and tenth within their capabilities. For the Wöhler protégé it is the second start of the season after fourth place in Paris-Longchamp. The Grewe stallion has already made several appearances at a higher level this year, but was only able to convince to some extent in the Carl Jaspers Prize (Group 2) when he finished fourth. Miroslav Rulec will try Craps (Cyrille Stefan), who is currently successful in Compiegne, and Yasmin Almenräder will be represented by Sovereign State (Augustin Madamet), who ran out an unchallenged winner in Le Croise-Laroche. Ommeel (Theo Bachelot), who has never returned to the stable without money in four starts this year, could prevent a guest success. Gormlaith (Hugo Lebouc) will find some followers as a track winner in September.