Trainer Andreas Wohler aims to extend his recent success in German horse racing as attention turns to the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten on August 9. Wohler, who secured victories in two German Classics earlier this summer, will once again rely on his Derby-winning colt Dardanos to compete in the €155,000 (S$229,000) race over 2,400 meters.
Dardanos made headlines in early July by capturing the Deutsches Derby at Hamburg as a longshot, winning at odds of 84-1—the longest-priced winner in the history of the event. This was Wohler’s second consecutive German Classic win, following the earlier triumph of Soreanga in the German Oaks at Düsseldorf on August 2. Wohler, based in Dortmund and a former Singapore Cup-winning trainer, expressed confidence in Dardanos after noting the colt’s significant improvement in recent races.
The Grosser Preis von Berlin, now in its 136th running, boasts a rich history and usually attracts a strong field. The race has often been dominated by British contenders in recent years, with UK-trained horses winning four of the last five renewals. Wohler’s Dardanos will meet a competitive field of ten runners, including older horses and notable rivals from abroad.
Among the key international challengers is Tiffany, a filly trained by Sir Mark Prescott, who is seeking to overcome a string of near-misses. Tiffany, known for her consistent runner-up finishes—five times consecutively in this season’s races—has placed second three times in Group 1 events. Prescott, who previously won this race with Alpinista in 2021, praised Tiffany’s continued strong performances despite falling just short.
Separately, Saeed bin Suroor has supplemented Tornado Alert into the race. The Too Darn Hot four-year-old returns following a more than year-long absence after winning the Group 1 Grosser Preis Bayerisches Zuchtrennen in Munich. Tornado Alert will be joined by stablemate Dubai Future, a 10-year-old mare with an impressive career, including a recent Group 3 victory in the Henry II Stakes at Sandown in May. Dubai Future’s longevity in top-level competition is notable, as she attempts to become one of the oldest Group 1 winners in the sport.
Another significant British contender is Almeric, trained by Andrew Balding. Although without a win this season, the four-year-old entire by Study Of Man has delivered strong performances in competitive Group 2 and Group 3 races, suggesting he may be primed for success at Hoppegarten. Ridden by Jason Watson, Almeric has demonstrated consistent form against high-caliber opponents.
Dardanos will carry the hopes of the home team under Wohler’s stable jockey Eduardo Pedroza, 52, who has a long-standing partnership with the trainer. The Grosser Preis von Berlin will be the highlight of the evening race card, scheduled as Race 8 in Singapore Pools’ coverage, with a post time set for 9:40 p.m. Singapore time. The outcome will test whether the homegrown talent can hold off a strong British challenge in one of Germany’s premier racing events.