Zucht- und Trabrennverein Straubing e.V.

Plenty of chances in Straubing

Seven races feature an interesting mix of promising newcomers, proven performers and competitive fields at Straubing racecourse on Monday afternoon and evening. Several local specialists will be looking to make their mark, while a number of in-form horses arrive with strong claims. Here is our race-by-race preview, including our selections for all seven contests.

Race 1
The card opens with a race for inexperienced horses, including several making their debut. If Mercury (Josef Franzl) negotiates his first start without mistakes from the inside draw, he could prove hard to beat following a solid qualification performance. Vacation Memory (Andreas Geineder) has the most experience in the field and confirmed his good form last time out. Trainer Manfred Schub also presents two interesting contenders. Delmonica Reina (Stefan Hiendlmeier) could do her successful dam Desiree Star proud, although she made mistakes on her debut before a break. Joshua KS (Christoph Fischer) should have benefited from that experience. Escudo di Masi (Rudi Haller) is another interesting prospect who could play a major role if he trots cleanly.

Our Pick:
(1) Mercury – (6) Vacation Memory – (4) Delmonica Reina – (5) Joshua KS

Race 2
The second race looks wide open. Delaware Bro (Maximilian Frick) impressed with a surprise victory at Daglfing. Uberlandia (Martin Geineder), a recent acquisition for the Geineder stable and originally from Lasbek, made a decent first impression and could go one better here. Martin Geineder will also be looking to collect valuable points in the Straubing Amateur Championship as the competition approaches its conclusion. Speedy Ela Su (Julia Wiesner) is in excellent form and could quickly take the lead. Gri Barack (Herbert Tuscher) has already produced several notable performances this season, while L'Ultime Espoir (Romina Geineder) also has a chance of securing a share of the better prize money.

Our Pick:
(3) Uberlandia – (1) Delaware Bro – (5) Speedy Ela Su – (7) Gri Barack

Race 3
A strong field lines up for the LOTTO Bayern Grand Prix. Billy Kimber (Peter Platzer), a lightning-fast starter, has to overcome a second-row draw but ran well even in defeat last time against a quality rival Aconcagua (Rudi Haller) was beaten only by a high-class surprise winner. Augustiner (Dr. Conny Schulz) could go a long way if he manages to reach the rail despite his wide starting position. However, Dafna (Pinja Mäkinen) will also be keen to take the lead. Dream of Action (Christoph Fischer) thrives on smaller tracks such as Straubing and has already delivered several convincing performances here, including from the second row.

Our Pick:
(11) Billy Kimber – (6) Aconcagua – (8) Augustiner – (9) Dream of Action

Race 4
This looks like an ideal opportunity to tackle the Superfecta combination bet. Super Pro LR (Rudi Haller) continues to improve and should be fighting for victory. If Franchetto Effe (Josef Franzl) gets the right trip from his starting position, he has enough ability to finish among the leaders. Umbesi (Lasse Grundhöfer) is far more than just a second-string option for his stable and has already shown plenty of promise. The gelding has also enjoyed a short break.
Pearl Newport (Christoph Schwarz) deserves serious consideration, while Allegro Byd (Robert Pletschacher) should not be left out of Trifecta calculations either.

Our Pick:
(6) Super Pro LR – (7) Franchetto Effe – (2) Umbesi – (9) Pearl Newport

Race 5
Two familiar Straubing specialists clash here: Unfinished Business (Stefan Hiendlmeier), who has rediscovered his best form, and the ever-reliable Excellent Grandcru (Benjamin Priller). Both enjoy racing at Straubing but will have to overcome second-row starting positions. Further points in the amateur competition are also at stake. Vaiana (Herbert Lorenz), however, has a favourable starting position and could prove a formidable opponent if she gets straight to the front. Once there, she will be difficult to catch. Fly Home (Martin Geineder) has shown that he is capable not only on the smaller C-category tracks but also at Straubing, where he has already produced some good performances.

Our Pick:
(10) Unfinished Business – (9) Excellent Grandcru – (2) Vaiana – (8) Fly Home

Race 6
Illypop Bar (Josef Franzl), a three-year-old Italian filly, looks a standout contender in this race. Following two convincing victories, she is also the day's selection from Wettstar. Although most of her rivals have considerably more racing experience, she should have enough class to complete the task. Her stablemate Luke Danes (Lena Franzl) looks the main danger. The two horses trained by the Pletschacher stable, Kian (Robert Pletschacher) and Great Darkness Fire (Marisa Bock), are also in good form and deserve a place on any betting ticket. Neptune Newport (Julia Ertel) is another runner who can occasionally spring a surprise.

Our Pick:
(9) Illypop Bar – (1) Luke Danes – (7) Kian – (10) Great Darkness Fire

Race 7
For the final race, the increasingly familiar Straubing visitor Karin Walter-Mommert could have another winner to celebrate. Following his victory in a time in the 1:13 range in Berlin, Travprins Thoresen looks capable of leaving his rivals behind. He is also a strong banker option for both the V6 and V3 combination bets. If he disappoints, however, the betting market could be turned upside down, giving Lasbeker (Lukas Strobl) an opportunity. After a lengthy absence, he made a satisfactory return in a trial. Rudi Haller also has ambitions with Ghortrider Star, who gets along particularly well with the successful driver. He could take advantage if the French-bred Lasbeker is not yet fully fit.

Our Pick:
(5) Travprins Thoresen – (4) Ghortrider Star – (6) Lasbeker – (1) Ivory Green

For our english speaking friends (2nd November)

Plenty of chances in Straubing

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