A full field of 16 fillies will line up at Dusseldorf racecourse when Classic glory is up for grabs in Sunday’s (4 August) G1 Preis der Diana (German Oaks). The 2200m contest is the second Classic for fillies to be run at this track, following the G2 German 1000 Guineas (1600m) in May.

International flavour is added by British, Irish and French-trained runners whilst it is well worth noting that Dusseldorf racecourse has very tight turns and a definite draw bias; the outside draw is a distinct negative over both distances, especially in the shorter (1500m) HKJC World Pool Handicap. The ground is currently riding good, with no major rain forecast before Sunday.

The Karl Burke trained runner Darnation convincingly won that Guineas here in May and franked that form with a game second in the G3 Hoppings Fillies’ Stakes (2038m) on Newcastle’s all-weather surface and proving her stamina for at least 2000m that day.

Lucy Cowley, assistant trainer to Karl Burke, reports the filly in fine shape: “Darnation has been training well and ran a big race under a penalty at Newcastle. We are hopeful she will stay this new trip and look forward to taking her back to Dusseldorf”.

A few pounds clear on official ratings she is the obvious form pick and logical favourite.

Joseph O’Brien sends Je Zous and local star Jockey Bauyrzhan Murzabayev was keen to accept that ride, something that is certainly an asset. Though winless this term, she is a definite stayer and comes here fresh from a high class midfield finish in the G2 Ribblesdale Stakes (2392m) at Royal Ascot.

Trainer Sarah Steinberg saddles two runners, New York City and Diya. Steinberg says: “Rene [Piechulek, stable jockey] made his choice after the last work. Both fillies have developed so well but New York City worked really well so Rene couldn’t resist her. We feel Dusseldorf is the perfect track for her as the straights were a bit too long in her previous races.

“Diya is lightly raced and the Oaks may come a bit too soon for her but she has a lot of potential and will develop further though I am not sure the track will suit her ideally. However, we have a very experienced jockey (Sibylle Vogt) and we simply have to give it a go”. Both fillies had luck on their side, drawn in stall 2 and 3 respectively.

Andreas Suborics has his team in fine form and saddles two runners. He was wary about the draw, and got both worlds with Lady Mary drawn in stall 4 and Diamond Crown getting the outside box in 16.

Suborics says: “Anything between [draw] 1 – 8 is a positive. Diamond Crown was too far back last time and had to make up an awful lot of ground but she was the fastest horse at the finish. The ground will suit, and I am quite confident of a big run despite the gate. Lady Mary always runs her race and was tenderly handled last time with this in mind. The distance might stretch her though.”

Also doubly represented is rookie trainer Maxim Pecheur, who saddles Erle and Weltbeste. Erle’s form at the track – where she won her maiden – has received a major boost, and she is very well drawn in stall 1.

The HKJC World Pool Handicap is a typically wide open affair. A maximum field of 14 will line up, a reduced number due to the width of the track. Nolito and Crefelder are two likely to be fancied but not well drawn in 13 and 12 respectively. Other names to mention are Saba Storm, Savoya and Poyraz Approach. They represent major German trainers who rarely venture into handicap race category.

Trainer Sascha Smrczek trains at the racecourse, always a positive at this particular track. He runs Grey Sparkle and A Countach, the latter comes in off a low weight and has a strong jockey booked.