Derby hopes in Munich

Munich, Monday, 1 May: It has been seven years since the last Derby winner, Isfahan, won the Bavarian Classic in 2016. But the Group III race over 2,000 metres, which goes into its next round at the Munich-Riem racecourse on May Bank Holiday Monday, is still regarded as one of the most important warm-up races for the Blue Riband.

Nine candidates will be competing this time. The search is on for the successor to Lavello, who defeated the later Derby hero Sammarco here in 2022. Fantastic Moon (R. Piechulek) returns as local hero after his triumph in the Prize of the Winter Favourite. Perhaps Alpenjäger (S. Vogt) is also capable of another Group victory right away. He won the Ratibor race in great style. The first victory of Mr Hollywood (L. Delozier) was trend-setting.

Eight races are on the card on Monday between 1.15pm and 5.15pm, including a 2,000 metre equaliser II. Lordano (R. Piechulek) could pick up the thread of success. Vaisseau Fantome (A. d. d. Troost) also seems destined for higher things.

10,000 Euros are waiting to be paid out in the quadruple bet of the 6th race (winless, 1,600 m). This sum is also to be won in the V4 bet, which is offered in races 4,5,6 and 7 and in which the four winners are to be tipped.