Zucht- und Trabrennverein Straubing e.V.

Two Derby winners on Thursday’s card in Straubing

Autumn has definitely arrived in Bavaria – and with it, the summer break in Straubing is over. As is typical for this part of the year, the racecourse starts to gear up for its “Winter Meeting,” much like in Vincennes. And this Thursday, October 2, marks a great return: six races with strong fields, very good horses competing and – as a true rarity – two Derby winners on the card: Fon Baron, this year’s Czech Derby winner, and Ideolog, last year’s Ukrainian Derby champion, will both race in Straubing.

Race 1:
This is one of those races where nearly every horse can win on paper. That means: spread wide. Victory Ares (Christoph Fischer) is consistent and good. He can win this race. Take Five (Josef Franzl) won his last start in Straubing. But don’t forget DJ Masi (Marisa Bock), who galoppeed from a promising position last time, or Princess Peach (Rudi Haller). Excellent Grandcru (Georg Frick) and SJ’s Legacy (Andreas Geineder) are able to surprise. Even Global Fairplay (Robert Pletschacher), despite giving away money in this class, is in good shape and shouldn’t be forgotten.

Our pick:
(6) Victory Ares – (5) Take Five – (7) DJ Masi

Race 2:
We get a rematch between Desiderio (Marisa Bock) and Wim Hazelaar (Christoph Fischer) who won the last competiting easily. But Desiderio, who now has the better number, comes in sharper after winning on grass in Riem. Can he turn the tables? It’s really possible. But maybe neither of them will dictate – what if Dream of Action (Rudi Haller), who is very quick behind the car, gets the front and lets stablemate Wim Hazelaar take over? And don’t count out Perceval (Marcus Gramüller) if he stays calm.

Our pick:
(7) Wim Hazelaar – (5) Desiderio – (6) Dream of Action

Race 3:
Trifecta and Superfecta betting is on board - and here comes the first Derby winner: Fon Baron (Robert Pletschacher) won the Czech Derby in Prague, handing his driver the biggest win of his career. The level in Germany is a bit higher than in Prague, but Fon Baron also looked excellent earlier this year in Baden with a strong finish. But pay attention to Aconcagua (Rudi Haller), who is getting better and better. For your superfecta, include Unfinished Business (Christoph Fischer), Lennarth (Vitus Schwaiger), Joceline BR (Gerhard Mayr), Jerry Box (Ferdinand Veit), and Speedy Ela Su (Marisa Bock).

Our pick:
(5) Aconcagua – (8) Fon Baron – (6) Unfinished Business – (9) Lennarth

Race 4:
Right after Fon Baron, here comes the second Derby winner: Ideolog (Vitus Schweiger), who dominated in Kyiv in 2024. He’s not an easy horse but without a mistake he’s really strong. But Umbesi (Josef Franzl) looked great in his latest win and seems to improve with age, according to his trainer. Also a real danger: also Ukrainian-bred Rozmarin (Georg Bachmeier), who starts and who could surprise again.

Our pick:
(9) Umbesi – (3) Rozmarin – (7) Ideolog

Race 5:
The superfecta is in play again. Home-track hero Ocean Eyes (Christoph Fischer) has shown good form even in Riem and can win again. Yucatan Diamant (Josef Franzl) steps down in class. Lawrence Boko (Rudi Haller) recently finished behind Yucatan Diamant. See the Moon (Stefan Hiendlmeier) won his last race and had a solid qualifier afterwards. Don’t be fooled by the recent form of Hulken Sisu (Georg Frick) – the Swedish import still has plenty left in the tank. And keep an eye on Kendall Jackson (Martin Redl), who could be a great newcomer.

Our pick:
(2) Ocean Eyes – (4) Yucatan Diamant – (7) See the Moon – (11) Hulken Sisu

Race 6:
We close out the day with another wide-open event where trainer Robert Gramüller might once again come to the winner ceremony. Crazy Gaagaa RL (Marcus Gramüller) continues to improve and won last time out. La Mirage (Marisa Bock) returns from a short break, before that she was able to win. Kian (Robert Pletschacher) also resumes from a spell and was very good before his break. Indigi (Mykola Volf) collected several victories abroad.

Our pick:
(4) Crazy Gaagaa RL – (5) La Mirage – (3) Kian

For our English speaking friends - October, 2nd.

Two Derby winners on Thursday’s card in Straubing

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