NEWS von Donnerstag, 06.08.2026

For our english speaking friends (10th August)

Autostart first, rollercoaster afterwards

Five competitive races on Straubing’s Gäubodenfest race day – Superfecta in the fifth race

Harness racing and the famous Gäubodenfest have always gone hand in hand in Straubing, and Monday once again features the traditional festival meeting. A compact five-race card allows racing fans to enjoy the action before heading over to the fairground for a ride on the rollercoaster. Three heats of the Straubing Amateur Championship are also on the program. The fith race includes a guaranteed €2,000 quartet pool.

Race 1
Arctic Ocean looks the one to beat in the opener. The three-year-old Swedish filly, carrying a touch of French blood, has reportedly improved again since her latest appearance and is expected to take a major step forward. Pete S Boko has the talent to make a winning Bavarian debut if he stays flat throughout, while Hot and Spicy S has always handled Straubing’s turns particularly well and should also play a prominent role. Zara LR appeals as the main outsider.

Our pick:
4 Arctic Ocean – 2 Pete S Boko – 3 Hot and Spicy S

Race 2
After being sidelined by an infection, Billy Kimber returns and immediately looks like the horse to beat. Wim Hazelaar also made an encouraging comeback after a break, although his outside draw is less favourable against the speedy Billy Kimber. Stablemates Dafna and Belina Times are both expected to run well, while Be the One, an impressive recent winner, and Holger, who has been in solid form, can spice up the exotics.

Our pick:
5 Billy Kimber – 7 Wim Hazelaar – 3 Dafna

Race 3
Veteran Augustiner is enjoying the best form of his career. The fast-starting nine-year-old should once again be very difficult to overhaul if he secures the lead. Former Derby fifth See the Moon impressed in his qualifying run and rates a serious danger, while the dependable Valesco completes a trio of leading contenders.

Our pick:
5 Augustiner – 8 See the Moon – 4 Valesco

Race 4
Ultrablue produced an excellent effort from the second row last time and now meets a slightly easier field. Excellent Grand Cru is a proven Straubing performer and comes here after a respectable effort in stronger company. Unfinished Business can threaten with the right trip, while both Sly and Lennarth are capable of outperforming their recent form.

Our pick:
5 Ultrablue – 8 Unfinished Business – 7 Excellent Grand Cru

Race 5
The feature event may go to Negresco, although the six-year-old can be difficult to predict from one start to the next. Mateo KS has yet to fully realise his considerable potential but looks favourably placed in this contest. Ideolog possesses plenty of ability if he avoids an early mistake, while Kikuyu TU is a genuine winning chance provided everything clicks between horse and driver.

Our pick:
8 Negresco – 2 Mateo KS – 5 Kikuyu TU – 10 Ideolog