Big Week from August 27 - September 4, 2022 in Baden-Baden - Iffezheim:
Amazing Grace with "exceptional" performance in the T v. Zastrow Stutenpreis
Baden-Baden/Iffezheim, September 03, 2022 (MH). Only Derby winner Sammarco was stronger last time out in the Großer Dallmayr-Preis in Munich, but Saturday's T. v. Zastrow Stutenpreis (Group II, €70,000, 2,400 m) at the racecourse in Baden-Baden-Iffezheim was another big day for Amazing Grace, trained by Waldemar Hickst in Cologne for breeder and owner Dr. Christoph Berglar. Hickst was also responsible for last year's winner Waldbiene.
After a perfect ride by French star jockey Olivier Peslier, the 3.5:1 co-favorite flew easily from last place in the six-strong field in front of 8,300 spectators on the fourth day of the 2022 Big Week with a length and a half advantage to score her fourth career win in her 14th start. The four-year-old daughter of former Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist had already excelled in a group test in 2021. She now has big goals, including internationally.
Although the serial winner India suffered her first defeat of the season in second place, she was also pleased with her defeat to Atomic Blonde, who led for a long time in third place. Narmada finished fourth ahead of Well Disposed and Nachtrose, who soon fell back, and led the other competitors, who hardly looked compelling.
VOICES:
Waldemar Hickst (trainer of Amazing Grace and India): "I was worried about Amazing Grace because of the long distance and the soft ground. But she showed that she had no problems with that. India was a bit too strong along the way and was overrun by her opponent, but this performance was also good. Amazing Grace could now go to the EP Taylor Stakes in Canada, while India has an entry for a group race on Arc Day in Paris."
Ronald Rauscher (Racing Manager of Amazing Grace): "We had hoped that Amazing Grace would be able to hold her own on this track. The pace was not excessively high. She won very convincingly. We now have the EP Taylor Stakes in mind. The Preis von Europa in Cologne is also a possibility."
Olivier Peslier (jockey of Amazing Grace): "I gave Amazing Grace time along the way. I slowed her down again in the final stretch. She showed great acceleration. I am very happy to have won in Baden-Baden."
Eduardo Pedroza (jockey of India): "We had an ideal race, India fought well, but Amazing Grace was better today."
Henk Grewe (trainer of Amazing Grace): "That was a great performance as by far the best three-year-old. Maybe we'll take her to a Group III race in Hanover or a race in Italy."
Gregor Baum (owner of Narmada): "That was a very good performance, even if there was a bit of a gap to the front three horses. She could now compete on the Day of the Studs."
Dates of race events Baden Galopp 2022:
Big week:
Saturday, September 3
Sunday, September 4
Sales & Racing Festival:
Friday, October 14
Sunday, October 16
Winter magic race day:
Saturday, December 3
Photo:
Amazing Grace, image source: www.marcruehl.com Use of this image is free of charge in connection with reporting on Baden Galopp
Contact:
Press department Baden Galopp:
E-Mail: [email protected]
Racing department:
Name: Michael Hähn
E-Mail: [email protected]
