Sunday’s (13 August) G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin (2400m) at Hoppegarten has a long and colourful history, and its distance and location have changed various times. The race has also continued to grow in stature, with recent Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winners Torquator Tasso and Alpinista scoring here before going on to win at Paris Longchamp on the first Sunday in October.

With a largely dry forecast, the ground is expected to be “perfect” come Sunday; it was on the soft side of good earlier in the week.

The 2023 edition is an international affair – think Germany vs England vs France vs Poland, as well as a clash of generations, and boys vs (a) girl.

The sole 3yo, the Andreas Wohler-trained filly Lady Ewelina, has been supplemented into the race and she brings a fascinating layer to the table. The daughter of Mukhadram is lightly raced but made rapid improvement when winning her first three starts, going from newcomer to group race with success in Cologne’s G3 Schwartzgold-Rennen (1600m).

Due to contest the G1 German Oaks (2200m) at Dusseldorf last weekend, she refused to enter the stalls but her trainer is cautiously optimistic: “Last time was just of those things. She’s in great shape at home and, though it’s her first time against better male horses, we go there hoping for a finish in the first three.”

A thorough stayer on pedigree, Lady Ewelina is open to plenty of improvement, and, with the weight-for-age and sex allowance, must not be underestimated.

Two former German Derby winners line up in the shape of Sammarco, who took the Classic last year, and Sisfahan, who won the race in 2021. Both horses performed with credit after those successes, but both have failed to win in 2023 so far.

Peter Schiergen, trainer of Sammarco, says: “The horse is in good shape. He goes on all ground, and we hope the race will be run to suit.” Henk Grewe, Sisfahan’s trainer says: “All is well with Sisfahan who will enjoy the good ground. He is getting better all the time and I expect him to be there or thereabouts. Assistent [Grewe’s other runner] would prefer softer ground.”

The powerful Godolphin Stable runs New London, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by James Doyle. The same combination won the race last year with Rebel´s Romance and New London, a son of Dubawi, arrives with a similar profile.

Third – but placed second in last year’s G1 St Leger Stakes (2905m) at Doncaster, the lightly-raced 4yo started the current season late and is expected to be much sharper for his third in a 2400m Listed Race at Newmarket in early July. He looks a serious contender.

France is represented by Simca Mille, trained by Stephane Wattel. The 4yo is officially the highest-rated horse in the race, and has already scored twice this season, latterly winning June’s G2 Grand Prix de Chantilly over 2400m.

Polish runner Le Destrier is unbeaten in two starts in his native country this year. This form is impossible to assess but Le Destrier is the lowest rated runner by some way and seems to face an almost impossible task.

The Listed Hong Kong Jockey Club Sprint race over Hoppegarten’s straight 1200m sees a fascinating mix of contenders.

Henk Grewe’s runner Zandjan finished just behind the Sascha Smrczek- trained Clever Candy – one of the highest rated horses in the race – in a 1200m Listed event at Hamburg in June but Grewe believes that different tactics could lead to a different result on Sunday: “We have been making too much use of him. We will restrain him and expect a big run on ground that will be ideal,” said the trainer.