Rebel To Romance Germany Anew

Godolphin stalwart spearheads overseas trio in Baden-Baden G1

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BADEN-BADEN - The time-honoured Group 1 Grosser Preis von Baden (2,400m) will be run on Sept 7 (9.25pm Singapore time), the last day of Baden-Baden's grand summer meeting, the Grosse Woche which started on Aug 30.

First run in 1858, Germany's premier weight-for-age race, which is part of the World Pool contingent, boasts a rich history and has seen epic clashes and huge upsets over the years.

Due to its prestige and handy location in the international calendar, the €300,000 (S$450,000) feature has always been a port of call for foreign raiders.

With a perfect four weeks to the Group 1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (2,400m) on the first Sunday in October at ParisLongchamp, the Grosser Preis von Baden has often been used as a trial.

While the host country reigned supreme in the early years, the visitors have held sway a few times in the last half-century or so, with England the best conqueror. They won the trophy 16 times since 1975, including a five-in-a-row from 2001 to 2005.

Of late, the last 10-year-trend has been inconclusive. It is five each for Germany v foreign runners, with two French and three British winners in the last 10 editions.

While three of the last four runnings had a domestic winner, 2025 may swing back towards the away team.