Laccario Looks For Prestigious Double

[Wandering Eyes]

It is 11 years since Kamsin (Ger) (Samum {Ger}) became the latest G1 Deutsches Derby hero to follow up in the G1 Grosser Preis von Baden, but Gestut Ittlingen’s Laccario (Ger) (Scalo {GB}) could be cut from the same cloth as he prepares to emulate that past luminary in Sunday’s Longines-sponsored feature. Unbeaten at three, the homebred has made the natural progression from Dusseldorf’s Listed Derby-Trial May 26 and the G2 Union-Rennen at Cologne June 10 to Derby victor with an ease that suggests he could become one of the season’s leading middle-distance 3-year-olds.

His task is to deny a significant overseas challenger in Godolphin’s Ghaiyyath (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who is back from a lengthy break having finished third in the G1 Prix Ganay over 10 1/2 furlongs at ParisLongchamp Apr. 28. Previously successful in the 10-furlong G2 Prix d’Harcourt there three weeks previously, he is reported ready for his reintroduction by Charlie Appleby.

“Ghaiyyath has had a good break since the spring. We are looking forward to seeing him race over a mile and a half, as we are confident that it will be his best trip,” he said. “He was a little disappointing in the Prix Ganay, but we wondered about a couple of things afterwards–whether there was a slight bounce factor after wintering in Dubai and if his big effort in the Prix d’Harcourt may have left him a little flat. His preparation has gone well and he looks great at the moment. He won after a long lay-off last season and, if he brings the level of his spring form to the table, he is going to be a strong contender.”

Runner-up to the classy French King (GB) (French Fifteen {Fr}) in the G1 Grosser Preis Von Berlin at Hoppegarten Aug. 11, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum’s Communique (Ire) (Casamento {Ire}) tries again at the top level. Connections of the May 4 G2 Jockey Club S. and July 11 G2 Princess of Wales’s S. winner are hoping he can make it count this time and upgrade his profile. “He was unlucky last time, as he banged his head in the stalls before the race,” trainer Mark Johnston said. “We’ve been happy with him since and he is definitely up to winning one of these races. This is no soft touch, but he should be there or thereabouts.” Stall Turffighter’s Ashrun (Fr) (Authorized {Ire}) missed a clash with Laccario in the July 7 Hamburg Classic, having won the Listed Derby Trial at Hanover June 23 but returned to capture the G3 Prix de Reux at Deauville Aug. 4 and remains an unknown quantity in this company.

On the undercard, Godolphin and Charlie Appleby field Vintager (GB) (Mastercraftsman {GB}) in the G2 Oettingen-Rennen. Successful in the G3 Prix Bertrand du Breuil over this mile trip when last seen at Chantilly June 16, he carries stable confidence. “He has enjoyed a little break, runs well fresh and this looks like a nice opportunity to hopefully win a Group 2 race,” Appleby said.

At ParisLongchamp, the country’s future staying stars are tested in the G3 Prix de Lutece, while the juveniles warm up for the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere in the G3 Prix la Rochette. Gerard-Augustin Normand’s July 30 Listed Criterium du Bequet winner Les Hogues (Ire) (Bated Breath {GB}) is a Jean-Claude Rouget project who bids to upstage the colts which include her stablemate Sujet Libre (Fr) (Hurricane Cat). He was runner-up to Saturday’s G3 Zukunfts-Rennen winner Alson (Ger) (Areion {Ger}) in a seven-furlong conditions event at Clairefontaine last time Aug. 9. The Wertheimers are also represented by a filly in the Carlos Laffon-Parias-trained Femina (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}), who took a debutantes race on Deauville’s Polytrack Aug. 11 over a 6 1/2-furlong trip that is certain to be the minimum for the daughter of the G2 Prix de Malleret winner Legerete (Rahy).

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