German fillies have won nine of the last 18 editions of the G2 Oaks d'Italia, including champion Danedream (Ger) (Lomitas {GB}), who scored her first group win here in 2011. Twelve months after a German-bred superfecta at San Siro, just one German raider will contest the 2200-metre event, in the form of Andreas Wohler trainee and four-time maiden Windjammer (Ger) (Campanologist). This is not without precedent, as another German maiden–Night Magic (Ire) (Peintre Celebre)–landed this Classic in 2009.
The Botti family has won the Oaks 10 times and will saddle half of the 10-horse field Sunday. One of them is Paiardina (Ire) (Casamento {Ire}), recently acquired by Takaya Shimakawa, the Japanese owner who enjoyed G2 Derby Italiano glory with Mac Mahon (Ity) (Ramonti {Fr}). A three-time winner, Paiardina failed to show last out in the Listed Premio Mario Incisa over heavy ground. Mi Raccomando (GB) (Poet's Voice {GB}) won the G3 Premio Regina Elena (Italian 1000 Guineas) and could provide a fourth win to owner Scuderia Effevi, but her stamina is in question.
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