Germany's season reaches its pinnacle on Sunday, when the G1 Longines Grosser Preis von Baden features the G1 Preis der Diana hero Serienholde (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) bidding to take advantage of a sizeable weight-for-age concession from the older horses. Gestut Wittekindshof's homebred beat Sarandia (Ger) (Dansili {GB}) in the 11-furlong Classic at Dusseldorf last time Aug. 7 and she has serious prospects even though that runner-up flopped when only fifth in the G2 T Von Zastrow Stutenpreis here on Saturday. Representing the form of the G1 Deutsches Derby are the third-placed Dschingis Secret (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) and the disappointing favourite Boscaccio (Ger) (Mount Nelson {GB}), who lost his unbeaten record when only eighth in the July 10 Hamburg Classic. The former had twice finished in arrears of Boscaccio previously, most notably when third behind that rival in Cologne's G2 Oppenheim-Union-Rennen over 11 furlongs June 19.
Scuderia Effevi's Dylan Mouth (Ire) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}) has yet to extend his significant Italian influence elsewhere, with his latest overseas foray resulting in a 10th placing in the July 3 G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. He is a three-times winner at this level in his native country and this possibly represents an easier task than he has been set in the past. “Having won a big race in Italy, he's a little difficult to place because he carries a group one penalty for most of the races,” trainer Marco Botti commented. “This was an obvious race to go for and we've had it in mind for a while. It's a good race, but does not look the strongest group one. Based on his rating, he would have a chance. The ground might be a worry. He doesn't want very fast ground. There is a bit of rain forecast, but I fear that might just come too late.” Other older horses to warrant respect are last year's G1 Preis von Europa winner Nightflower (Ire) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}) who was a latest second in the G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten Aug. 14 and Iquitos (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), last seen finishing fourth in Munich's G1 Grosser Dallmayr-Preis at the end of July.
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