German Oaks favourite for Freedman
31st July, 2012
Unbeaten filly Salomina, favourite for next Monday’s Group 1 Preis der Diana (German Oaks, 2200m, Hamburg), has been bought by stable clients of Anthony Freedman.
Luke Murrell and Jamie Lovett, from Australian Bloodstock, recently secured the filly after she won her third race, the Group 3 Grosser Preis Von Lotto Hamburg (2200m), at Hamburg, on July 5, when she charged home strongly for a narrow win after settling at the rear.
Murrell and Lovett are the brains behind the purchase of Freedman’s two outstanding German imports,Group 1 Doomben Cup winner Mawingo and Lucas Cranach, who was third in last year’s Group 1 Melbourne Cup.
Salomina, who is trained by Peter Schiergen, of Danedream fame, could be a surprise runner in Melbourne during the spring.
“She will be entered for all the major races, but a decision on whether she comes to Australia or continues her European campaign until the end of the year will be made after the German Oaks,” Freedman said.
Salomina will create a bit of history if she contests the Caulfield Cup, Melbourne Cup or Cox Plate, as no northern hemisphere-bred three-year-old filly has run in Australia’s “big three” features. Of course, she will race as a four-year-old to southern hemisphere time.
Salomina was owned by her breeder, prominent farm Gestut Bona. The filly is by the top stallion Lomitas (by Niniski), the sire of Danedream, from a mare by Danehill’s son Tiger Hill. Danedream, the brilliant 2011 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, is by Lomitas from a Danehill mare.
A dominant win in the German Oaks could see Salomina compete against her famous older stablemate in the Arc at Longchamp in October.
Freedman said he is delighted that Salomina is heading to Markdel. “While it is always difficult to assess these overseas horses, she is obviously very good, and the German form is standing up throughout the world.
“Luke and Jamie have found the right formula to get hold of these German horses who fit so well into our racing structure, so it’s hard not to trust their judgment again in this case. Whether she is a cups or Cox Plate horse this year or next year, we will do what is right for the horse to get the best result.”
Photo: Salomina (closest to camera) pips Caitana by a short head to win the Group 1 Grand Prix at Hamburg.
