A brilliant ride by Maxim Pecheur gave four-year-old SOMMELIER his fourth consecutive win whereby the SOLDIER HOLLOW son improved from maiden class to the highest handicap category with a victory in today's level 1 handicap over 2000 m on the day of German Derby. The Markus Klug-trained came from last place and rolled past the entire field to secure a win by half a length despite a challenging trip, a manner of which hinted at a start at Stakes level soon to come.
Sommelier's win brought a highly successful Derby day for his sire SOLDIER HOLLOW to a close. On this most important race day of the German turf year, the latter had five winners in THORIN, SAHIB'S JOY, SOMMELIER and the group winner VIRGINIA JOY as well as the Sarka Schütz-trained PRINCESS KAHENA, who took a level 3 handicap over the mile. This amazing day was made complete with SANORA's G3 placing and the great second place finish by MRS APPLEBEE in the Auction Race for our champion sire. |
