German trotting derbies this weekend

The harness racing action moves to Berlin Mariendorf for the World Driving Championship final five races today followed by Trotting Oaks on Saturday (Aug. 19) and Trotting Derby on Sunday (Aug. 20). Hefty race cards for 10, 13 and 14 races are set for the three days.

The WDC races begin with race six on Friday. Rick Ebbinge has a sizeable points lead on his rivals at start of action .

The Oaks and Derby starter lineups follow. The fastest Oaks elimination winner was Bella Bavaria (4f Gustav Diamant-Burlesque) timed in 1.13.5kr over 1900 meters, the same distance as the final that carries a purse of 51,773€to the winner. Robin Bakker will team Bella Bavaria for trainer Paul Hagoort.

In the Derby the fastest elimination winner was Schampus (4m Propulsion-Kokette) that won in 1.12.1kr over the 1900 meter distance. Josef Franzl was and is the trainer/driver of this one as the 12 horse field aims at the 124,820€ first prize. The other elim winners were Y Not Diamant (4g Odessa Santana) for the Bakker/Hagoort team and Gio Cash (4m Victor Gio) that Dion P. Tesselaar trains and will drive in the final.

by Thomas H. Hicks, for Harnesslink