Nov 8 Grosser Preis von Bayern form analysis
All pointing towards Convergent
Group 1 Grand Prix of Bavaria (2,400m): R8, Munich. Start time: 10.40pm (S’pore)
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After losing by a short head in the Group 1 German Derby (2,400m) in July, the Karl Burke-trained Convergent (Clifford Lee) went on to win the Group 3 CMG Group Stakes (2,400m) at Leopardstown on Sept 13.
PHOTO: RACING AND SPORTS
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1 Alleno
Trainer Marcel Weiss and jockey Rene Piechulek famously combined to win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with Torquator Tasso back in 2021. Alleno has always been held in high regard but seems vulnerable in top-class company.
2 Ami De Vega
Norwegian 5YO who has had a good season. Last-start second in the German Group 3 Grosser Preis der BBF Gruppe Furstenberg-Rennen (2,400m) at Hoppegarten on July 20 was a fine effort but way short of what is required in this race. A stout stayer, though, who might sneak into a place when others start to tire.
3 Cold Heart
Brazilian import and a regular in World Pool races. No win in Germany and underwhelming latest. An outsider.
4 Junko
French raider who took this very race in 2023 and went on to land the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase (2,400m) at Sha Tin the same year. No win in 2025 but a close second in the German Group 1 Grosser Preis von Berlin (2,400m) at Hoppegarten on Aug 10. Top connections and must be respected.
5 Rashford
Apple of his trainer Marian Falk Wessmeier’s eye. Sprang quite a surprise under English jockey Jack Mitchell in the Group 3 B.A.U. Autumn Trophy (2,400m) at Baden-Baden on Oct 19. Mitchell stays up. More needed here again.
6 Tiffany
A classy 5YO mare who was second in 2024, and second on her latest start in the German Group 1 Preis von Europa (2,400m) in Cologne on Sept 28 on her seasonal debut. Connections have a good chance of finding that elusive Group 1 win in this if all is well.
7 Bay City Roller
The world seemed his oyster after an unbeaten juvenile campaign. But has not won in 2025, though three times a runner-up at Group 2 level and only narrowly beaten by subsequent Arc winner Daryz early in 2025. Could not cope with Convergent last time.
8 Convergent
Three-year-old who was beaten a short head in the Group 1 German Derby (2,400m) in Hamburg on July 6 and a two-time winner at Group level, in Ireland and France since. Best on ratings and big chance.
9 Lazio
A 3YO who ran a creditable third in the Group 1 German Derby (2,400m) on July 6. Also third in the Group 1 Bayerisches Zuchtrennen (2,000m) at Munich on July 27 when that shorter trip did not appear ideal. He has each-way claims back to 2,400m.
Comments courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
