Sept 6 Grosser Preis von Baden form analysis
Well-travelled Giavellotto is a cut above in German Group 1
The horse who beats Marco Botti’s smart globetrotter wins the Baden-Baden classic
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Giavellotto (Oisin Murphy) in his Group 1 Hong Kong Vase win at Sha Tin on Dec 8, 2024. The English stayer tackles his first German feature, the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Baden (2,400m) at Iffezheim on Sept 6.
PHOTO: HKJC
1 Giavellotto
Admirable seven-year-old who is the apple of trainer Marco Botti’s eye. His defeat of Kalpana in Royal Ascot’s Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2, 2400m) is tip-top form whilst his fourth in the 2025 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe shows he can perform on any ground. Top-rated and the one to beat.
2 Lordano
Has a cult following in his native Germany. Fresh from his usual summer break, he is versatile regarding trip and ground (would not want it too firm) and clearly a very talented horse. He will give his running, but the suspicion is he will fight for a place at best.
3 Parachutiste
Represents the mighty yard of French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard. Clearly a stout and smart stayer but has not won above Listed level and not favoured by the weights. A strong pace would help.
4 Saddadd
This four-year-old entire is trained by Roger Varian, not a regular to these shores. Only nine runs to date and a four-time winner, including at Group 3 level, plus showing fine form even in defeat this season. Very likely to make his presence felt up to a trip that might well suit.
5 Wild Crusade
Mediocre form in Dubai and has not raced for over a year. Absolutely no chance whatsoever.
6 Bright Light
Has gradually progressed into Germany’s best three-year-old colt, especially with his latest storming run in the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Berlin over this trip when just failing to catch Tiffany, leaving the German Derby winner Dardanos trailing in his wake. Bang there on ratings, considering his weight-for-age allowance and Germany´s main hope for glory.
7 Nariman
Highly progressive three-year-old. He has not looked back since being castrated with his latest runaway success in a valuable Sales race being a clear career high. Connections roll the dice again and an interesting contender. Ex-Kranji jockey Marc Lerner rides.
8 Spezialist
A midfield finish in the Deutsches Derby was bettered by a recent second at a Hoppegarten Group 3. Only a maiden win to his name, though so even a placing here would be a fine achievement.
Comments courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club