NEWS von Freitag, 03.07.2026
For our english speaking friends (8th July)
Point by point to success
Straubing Amateur Championship kicks off with two qualifying heats – Five races and the Superfecta in the last race
Amateur drivers in harness racing all share not only a horse, but also a true passion: competing in races – and doing so successfully. They take center stage at Wednesday's meeting at Straubing, where the first two qualifying heats of the Straubing Amateur Championship will be contested. Drivers will collect points until November 14 in the battle for one of the three attractive championship prizes. Five races are offered with a lot of interesting horses.
Race 1
The opener looks like a very competitive affair. Trainer Robert Gramüller is confident that Neuf du Pape (Dr. Marie Lindinger) can lead all the way. Profitable Invest (Marc Rachat) has proven top-class ability in Austria but must stay trotting throughout. Excellent Grandcru (Benjamin Priller) is an uncomplicated and very tough campaigner who always deserves respect on his favourite track. Dream of Action (Johann Preining) also enjoys racing at Straubing but would have preferred a draw on the front row. Breeding of Hanke (Martin Geineder) has yet to regain his former best form, although he cannot be overlooked with a strong amateur in the sulky. Fly Home (Theresa Geineder) is capable of causing an upset. Who will score the first championship points?
Our pick:
(6) Neuf du Pape – (3) Excellent Grandcru – (5) Profitable Invest
Race 2
Uletto (Josef Franzl) is a horse with plenty of class and should be capable of overcoming post position 10. He looks like a solid banker in the V5. Barolo Rosso (Christoph Fischer) has two recent outings under his belt and could now be ready to strike. Fon Baron (Robert Pletschacher) is a proven performer not only in the Czech Republic. Sly (Denise Schuch) has returned to excellent form, while her driver continues to collect plenty of victories.
Our pick:
(10) Uletto – (6) Barolo Rosso – (8) Fon Baron
Race 3
Could this become a father-versus-daughter battle? It certainly looks possible, with both Carrie B. (Josef Franzl) and Lumière de Chartres (Lena Franzl) holding leading chances. Super Pro LR (Rudi Haller) could spoil the family duel after an impressive amateur performance last time. Kikuyu TU (Andreas Geineder) is a reliable money-earner, while Great Darkness Fire (Robert Pletschacher) broke through for a first career victory with his best performance to date. Vaiana (Christoph Fischer) is another consistent filly, although the speedy beginner has been dealt a difficult draw. With the V3 beginning here, a wide betting approach looks advisable.
Our pick:
(3) Carrie B. – Super Pro LR – (1) Lumière de Chartres
Race 4
The amateurs return for another championship heat. Belina Times (Dr. Conny Schulz) disappointed under saddle in Montecatini, a performance that remains difficult to explain, and she is expected to bounce back to her true level. However, she faces a serious rival in the classy Princess Peach (Johann Preining). Dafna (Renate Lindinger) produced an excellent performance recently and is expected to be driven a little more patiently this time. Orlando Attack (Alp Terlikciogullari) has enough ability to play a major role in this easier assignment, while Luna Barosso (Christian Ferstl) also has claims for a placing.
Our pick:
(7) Princess Peach – (6) Belina Times – (9) Dafna
Race 5
The finale does not feature a Trifecta but instead offers a €2,000 guaranteed Quartet pool. Two horses from the Walter Mommert stable clash here. Italian mare Illypop Bar (Josef Franzl) makes her first appearance in her new Bavarian home after a short break and could prove good enough to win. Her trainer takes the drive himself, while stablemate Capella (Josef Sparber) could capitalize on any mistake from the favourite. Matteo KS (Christoph Fischer) also returns from a brief layoff. The imposing son of Propulsion usually needs a run or two to reach peak fitness, but his talent has never been in doubt. Harley Quinn (Denise Schuch), an impressive last-start winner, also deserves consideration, along with Romashka (Georg Bachmeier) and Pamira (Andreas Geineder).
Our pick:
(9) Illypop Bar – (11) Capella – (8) Matteo KS – (6) Harley Quinn
