In Search Of A Prince

The Longines G1 Grosser Preis von Baden has enjoyed international attention in recent times thanks to the presence of the formidable domestic luminaries Danedream (Ger) (Lomitas {GB}), Novellist (Ire) (Monsun {Ger}) and last year’s vanquished Sea the Moon (Ger) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) and Sunday’s edition looks below-par in comparison, with the two Group 1 winners in attendance lacking star quality. It is a long time since one of those, Jean-Francois Gribomont’s Prince Gibraltar (Fr) (Rock of Gibraltar {Ire}), registered his sole success at the top level when impressing in the 2013 G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud and, despite his subsequent third placing in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly and second in Longchamp’s G1 Grand Prix de Paris, he has become a frustrating character given his early promise. Last seen finishing third in the July 25 G2 York S., the chestnut sets the form standard regardless of his quirks. Gestut Schlenderhan’s Ito (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) appears the pick of the home team after his win in the 11-furlong G2 Grosser Preis der Badischen Unternehmer here June 7 and second in the G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin over this trip Aug. 9, while Andreas Wohler’s hopes lie with Australian Bloodstock Stable’s Goldstream (Ity) (Martino Alonso {Ire}). The impressive May 17 G2 Derby Italiano hero was no match for Highland Reel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) when over eight-lengths fourth in the GI Secretariat S. over 10 furlongs at Arlington last time Aug. 15, but should have nothing of that caliber to contend with here. Gestut Hony-Hof’s July 5 G1 Deutsches Derby runner-up Palace Prince (Ger) (Areion {Ger}) comes here on the back of a workmanlike win in the G3 Grosser Preis der Sparkasse Krefeld three weeks ago and, along with Stall Nizza’s Aug. 2 G1 Preis der Diana runner-up Nightflower (Ire) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}), has something to find to trouble the older brigade.