Sammarco

BADEN-BADEN, Germany--There has been much for German racing and breeding to celebrate since its premier yearling sale of 12 months ago. That same weekend, Torquator Tasso (Ger), a graduate of the 2018 sale, landed the G1 Grosser Preis von Baden just across the road from the auction house before going on to his memorable victory in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. A reminder, if one were needed, that German bloodlines can mix it with the very best in the world, as also exemplified recently by the GI Beverly...

Torquator Tasso (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) remains in contention for Sunday's G1 Grosser Preis von Baden following the latest confirmation stage on Monday. The 5-year-old defending champion could face up to seven rivals in his first race with Frankie Dettori in the saddle. His regular rider Rene Piechulek is required to ride Mendocino (Ger) Adlerflug {Ger}).  Also in the potential line-up for Sunday's feature is the German Derby winner Sammarco (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), who followed up his Classic success with victory in the G1 Grosser Dallmayr Preis.  Twelve months ago, Torquator...

This season we appear to have been gifted an above average crop of 3-year-olds, along with some truly exciting older horses who have remained in training. It is as it should be, but things don't always work out that way.  France and England exchanged Group 1 races at the weekend: on Saturday it was a case of veni, vidi, vici for Vadeni (Fr) (Churchill {Ire}), who gave France a first victory in the race since 1960, when it was won by the Percy Carter-trained Javelot (Fr) (Fast Fox {Fr}). The...