The Grosser Preis von Berlin (G1, 2400m) is a midsummer highlight and Germany´s answer to Ascot´s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. It is the feature of four World Pool races from Hoppegarten on Sunday (11 August) where the track is currently riding good with selected watering commenced to maintain safe ground with little or no rain forecast.

Horses coming from overseas have won the last three runnings of the Grosser Preis von Berlin and it could well happen again with the two raiders - Al Riffa from Ireland and King Of Conquest from England - both with live winning chances in the seven-runner field.

Al Riffa, trained by Joseph O’Brien, is lightly raced; winning a G1 as a juvenile, then seeing his 3yo season curtailed by a setback. While three races in 2024 haven´t resulted in a win yet, Al Riffa has clearly improved with racing. His latest second in Sandown’s Eclipse Stakes (G1, 1990m) behind Epsom Derby hero City Of Troy is clearly excellent form, as was his close second to subsequent Arc winner Ace Impact in a G2 at Deauville last August.

This trip is an unknown and the only slight question mark but with the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe being the horse’s main autumn aim connections must clearly be hopeful. He will be ridden again by brilliant 21-year-old Dylan Browne McMonagle, one of the rising stars in Ireland’s jockey scene; despite his young age he already has a host of big-race wins to his name mostly for O’Brien.

Proven over the trip is the Charlie Appleby-trained Adrie de Vries-ridden King Of Conquest. Only one pound below Al Riffa on official ratings, Godolphin’s 5yo gelding arrives in good form and off the back of two Listed wins over Sunday´s distance.

Best of Lips won over C&D at his latest start and sits on the same rating as King Of Conquest. Trainer Andreas Suborics, who will celebrate his birthday at weekend, said: “Despite giving weight Best Of Lips won well at a lower level (G3) last time (beating the re-opposing Tunnes and Mr Hollywood) that was his best form since he won Cologne’s Union -Rennen (G2) three years ago. That’s why we decided to supplement him for this. His preparation has gone really well, and I fully expect him to finish in the first three, even though Al Riffa will be hard to beat.”

Henk Grewe reopposes with Mr Hollywood, whose second in last year´s German Derby is the pick of his form. Grewe is under no illusions: “His last run was sound, but this is tougher. He needs give in the ground as his feet bother him, so we will see.”

Narrativo is the sole 3yo in the line-up. He won Cologne’s Union-Rennen (G2, 2200m), Germany’s main Derby trial in good fashion but then things didn’t go right in the Derby itself. Narrativo is in with the chance of an upset and is a fascinating contender.

Ten fillies and mares line up in the Listed Hoppegartener Stutenpreis over 1800m. International flavour is added in the shape of Godolphin’s French-trained Mountain Song who will be ridden by Fabrice Veron for the first time. Formerly trained in England, Mountain Song stepped up on that form to score on her French debut earlier this year, then finished second in a Listed race. She is the logical favourite though some very interesting local fillies and mares line up against her. They include Calyx Rose who is lightly raced and unexposed and could be anything for major trainer Andreas Wohler.

Royal Night is trained by internationally acclaimed Peter Schiergen and ridden by stable jockey Bauyrzhan Murzabayev. She finished fifth in the German 1000 Guineas, though she hasn’t backed that up yet.

A couple of fillies step up in class after working their way through handicaps, namely Anistou and Koffi Kick. Of the latter trainer Henk Grewe, fresh from winning the German Derby this year and becoming a father for the first time, said: “She fully deserves to step into this class and has improved with every run. The distance is clearly her limit, but her preparation has been perfect and the stage is set for a big run.”

Trainer Andreas Suborics runs 3yo Donamay. He says “Her form is actually much better than it looks and she is an improving filly. I fully expect her to finish in the placings.”

An interesting contender at bigger odds could be Empore. Trainer Maxim Pecheur is also positive.” She did run in the Oaks last year (where she finished 4th in heavy ground) and that is classy form. She didn’t follow through with her effort last time and we are hoping that first-time blinkers will do the trick here. Winning will be tough but we are very hopeful of a placing.”

Another local trainer – Roland Dzubasz – may hold the aces in the HKJC World Pool Handicap (2000m). He runs three horses including topweight Sky Emperor, under talented claimer Konstantin Phillip. His other two runners Velato and Altista are also clearly horses to note, especially the latter as top jockey Bauyrzhan Murzabayev is booked. Maralena is in flying form this season but steps up in class, whilst Sibylle Vogt’s mount Viviane is another one in very good form, and though Viviane hasn’t won at this class she has been knocking on the door and is on a good mark.