Zucht- und Trabrennverein Straubing e.V.

Tom Karten makes his Straubing debut

Germany’s amateur champion visits the track in Straubing for the first time on Thursday. Tom Karten, now based in Bavaria, has been booked by trainer Manfred Schub to partner Happy Jack, and even against solid opposition this combination could work out nicely. After his recent double at Gelsenkirchen, “Major Tom” has clearly confirmed that he is carrying the same strong form as at the end of last season. Please also mind the jackpot in the trifecta in the 7th race and the superfecta in the 4th race.

Race 1:
Chantielle arrives in excellent form and looks a major contender if she copes with her starting position. Marilyn Boko sent out clear signs of a return to form when finishing strongly last time. Dafna is capable of using her early speed to take command, while Jerry Box only narrowly missed a surprise success recently and should not be underestimated.

Our pick:
(7) Chantielle – (3) Marilyn Boko – (4) Dafna

Race 2:
Miss Red Lady is very classy and her comeback run suggested she is ready to return to the winner’s enclosure. Veyron Bros impressed with a dominant and stylish success and remains a serious danger. Perceval has endured plenty of bad luck lately but hinted at a revival and would welcome testing ground. D Day AS can be expected to step forward significantly on his second start.

Our pick:
(4) Miss Red Lady – (2) Veyron Bros – (3) Perceval

Race 3:
Serial winner Valesco continues his hunt for further victories but faces no easy task. Happy Jack teams up with Tom Karten and has the class to strike, provided he behaves at the start. Maneli is a sharp beginner with a perfect draw, while Zazu Diamant makes his first proper start after a break and has already shown very solid form at this venue.

Our pick:
(7) Valesco – (4) Happy Jack – (3) Zazu Diamant

Race 4:
With a Trifecta jackpot on offer, this race deserves close attention. Tampa Bay has been progressing nicely in the Josef Franzl stable and dominated with ease. Undine Magic made a very promising debut for her new trainer. Crazy GaaGaa RL lacks an ideal draw but her form is solid, while Allegro Byd performed with plenty of credit last time and warrants respect.
Our pick:
(1) Tampa Bay – (6) Undine Magic – (8) Crazy GaaGaa RL – (3) Allegro Byd

Race 5:
Kador du Choquel delivered a top-class effort when racing bravely first-over last time and can follow up, especially if the track turns testing. Indy possesses plenty of speed and was only beaten by Chantielle most recently. Louis d’Or covered significant extra ground in the final turn but still finished strongly, while Unfinished Business chased home Tampa Bay after a tough trip. Ideolog has abundant ability but made several costly mistakes at the start last time and remains a risky proposition despite his engine.

Our pick:
(8) Indy – (10) Unfinished Business – (4) Kador du Choquel – (3) Louis d’Or

Race 6:
Pearl Newport lost all winning chances with a break in the bend last time and connections are still experimenting to help her settle better. Wikileaks is highly regarded at home and should move forward with that recent run under her belt. Benedictus hinted at a return to form after a break and is another to include.

Our pick:
(5) Pearl Newport – (6) Wikileaks – (2) Benedictus

Race 7:
The finale looks wide open and promises attractive dividends, especially with the trifecta jackpot. Matteo KS appears close to his first career success. Romashka arrives in Bavaria as a serial winner and also impressed in her qualifier. Nancy Leka makes her debut and could show ability straight away. Donna des Bois has been improving steadily and fought on gamely for a minor placing last time, while Perry Newport returns after a break but has winning form in Daglfing.
Our pick:
(7) Matteo KS – (1) Nancy Leka – (9) Romashka

For our english speaking friends

Tom Karten makes his Straubing debut

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