Zucht- und Trabrennverein Straubing e.V.

Fan d’Arifants German under-saddle-debut

It’s well worth following the races in Straubing this Sunday. Ten strongly competitions are on the card, with the spotlight on the amateur drivers, who will battle for points in the Straubing Amateur Championship across three heats. The amateurs are well equipped with quality horses, and the superfecta will be offered twice during the day. Also very exciting is the German under-saddle debut of Fan d’Arifant.

Race 1:
Aconcagua (Rudi Haller) set a sharp pace last time and could well return to winning form here. But he’ll need to keep an eye on Valesco (Christoph Schwarz), who looked good even in defeat and take over the lead from stablemate Dafna (Marcus Gramüller) who is very fast behind the gates. Princess Peach (Christoph Fischer), who competed at German Derby level, is another with the class to win this opener.

Our pick:
(2) Aconcagua – (4) Valesco – (6) Princess Peach

Race 2:
This one looks like a showdown among the ladies – there are hardly any geldings here. Belina Times (Christoph Schwarz) justified her stable’s faith with a Breeders Crown podium finish. For Unfinished Business (Christoph Fischer), it all depends on staying calm. Under a Spell (Marcus Gramüller) has changed stables and could prove a dangerous rival. Don’t underestimate Marilyn Boko (Peter Platzer) – the very special mare has been given time to reset, and if she recalls her true ability, she’s very good. Tequila Sunrise (Stefan Hiendlmeier) can also strike despite a tricky lane. And even though he’s surrounded by mares, Global Fair Play (Robert Pletschacher) could mix it up as well. Spread wide here.

Our pick:
(8) Belina Times – (3) Unfinished Business – (4) Under a Spell

Race 3:
Postillon (Peter Platzer) has been racing well against tougher opposition and now finds a good spot to score. Yucatan Diamant (Andreas Schwarz) is another class act, though he’ll need a touch of racing luck. Don’t rule out Perceval (Dr. Conny Schulz), Flower (Julia Wiesner), or Stepstone (Martin Schwaiger), all capable of surprises.

Our pick:
(7) Postillon – (8) Yucatan Diamant – (6) Perceval

Race 4:
Expect Billy Kimber (Peter Platzer) to take over the lead immediately – catching him won’t be too easy. But Desiderio (Dr. Conny Schulz) is in the form of his life and could wear down his rivals late. Wim Hazelaar (Stefan Hiendlmeier) always gives his all and deserves respect. For the superfecta, consider adding Grahish Cash (Romina Geineder), Henri de Jautais (Tobias Werkstetter), Magnum Stone (Herbert Lorenz), and Veyron Bros (Denise Schuch).

Our pick:
(9) Desiderio – (4) Billy Kimber – (8) Wim Hazelaar – (6) Magnum Stone

Race 5:
The amateurs are back in action for the LOTTO Bayern Grand Prix, a highlight of the card with both trifecta and superfecta betting available. Forrest Big Effe (Dr. Conny Schulz) looks like the one to beat – a true form horse with a great amateur partner. Rozmarin (Georg Bachmeier) brings speed, while Gri Barack (Herbert Tuscher) could surprise in easier company. Ideolog (Alois Ortner) is a very hard and capable horse, and for the superfecta, you’ll also need Sly (Denise Schuch) and Kador du Choquel (Ferdinand Veit) on your ticket.

Our pick:
(1) Forrest Big Effe – (6) Rozmarin – (9) Gri Barack – (5) Kador du Choquel

Race 6:
A strong Austrian visitor headlines here: Man of Wood (Wolfgang Ruth) arrives off two impressive wins and will attract plenty of confidence. He’ll meet La Mirage (Christoph Schwarz), who also ended her last campaign with a victory. Grazia Patricia (Lukas Strobl) may need the race but has shown clear talent.

Our pick:
(4) Man of Wood – (7) La Mirage – (3) Grazia Patricia

Race 7:
Despite a break, Sarafina (Christoph Schwarz) finished a close fourth after a mistake – without the error, she might have won. That makes her the one to beat. Toto Riina (Marcus Gramüller) has talent but isn’t always reliable. Donna des Bois (Christoph Fischer) is another who can win, though not a sure thing. For those seeking safer options, Kamma (Marion Dinzinger) or Franck Jet (Andreas Geineder) could deliver, while Pegasus Jet (Herbert Plankl) continues to surprise. A wide-open affair!

Our pick:
(7) Sarafina – (8) Toto Riina – (4) Pegasus Venus

Race 8:
Negresco (Christoph Schwarz) comes off a strong third and looks well placed for a win. But Louis d’Or (Mykola Volf) has been in terrific form and already caused an upset in Straubing earlier this year. Jivago du Gers (Andreas Geineder) is in the second line but has the class to get involved.

Our pick:
(3) Louis d’Or – (2) Negresco – (8) Jivago du Gers

Race 9:
Among the French trotters, Eckmuhl Jack (Lukas Strobl) stands out as a true “money machine.” Even with the big handicap, he should take this. Iathenus Day (Christoph Fischer) returns from illness and may still need one, while In Love Burois (Romina Geineder) and Kamilla Doctor (Robert Pletschacher) look like solid place contenders from the second band.

Our pick:
(6) Eckmühl Jack – (5) Iathenus Day – (3) Kamilla Doctor

Race 10:
The finale promises fireworks – Fan d’Arifant (Romina Geineder), Germany’s winningest French-born trotter, returns from a break and makes his under-saddle debut. He’s the star attraction, but Gino (Ronja Walter) gets a 25-meter advantage and could make life interesting. Don’t overlook Iamtheonewhoknocks (Melanie Fleschhut), always capable of springing a surprise.

Our pick:
(6) Fan d’Arifant – (4) Gino – (5) Iamtheonewhoknocks

For our English speaking friends - November, 9th

Fan d’Arifants German under-saddle-debut

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