With two of the last three winners of the G2 Oppenheim-Union-Rennen being the formidable Novellist (Ire) (Monsun {Ger}) and Sea the Moon (Ger) (Sea the Stars {Ire}), Cologne's main trial for the G1 Deutsches Derby needs taking seriously. Sunday's renewal features Australia Racing Stables' exciting Shimrano (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}), who stamped his authority on the Listed Grosser Preis der Hannoverschen over this trip last time. Unlucky to have run into the high-class Quasillo (Ger) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) in a maiden when second previously at Munich Apr. 19, his form has been handed extra credence by that rival's subsequent romp in the G3 Bavarian Classic. Stall Nizza's Nutan (Ire) (Duke of Marmalade {Ire}) looked to have an abundance of promise when taking a maiden by seven lengths over this course and distance last time May 10 and is perhaps the most likely threat, while Gestut Karlshof's filly Auctorita (Ger) (Authorised {Ire}) warrants respect on her nine-length score on her sole start at Frankfurt in November.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
