Salomina Sails to Victory in German Oaks

Salomina charged through a gap along the rail and swept to an impressive 3 1/2-length victory in the Henkel-Preis der Diana, or German Oaks (Ger-I) at Dusseldorf Aug. 5.

The daughter of Lomitas led home a one-two sweep for trainer Peter Schiergen, who also conditioned the runner-up, Nymphea.

A field of 13 sophomore fillies went to the post in the 1 3/8-mile German Oaks, with Salomina made the slight favorite. At the start it was Imagery that went to the front to set the pace. She was followed by Samba Brazil, who soon passed her and took the lead after the first three furlongs. Jockey Filip Minarik had Salomina relaxed and settled in midfield early on.

Samba Brazil continued to lead the field along at a steady gallop through the early stages of the race. With just over two furlongs left, Minarik spied an opening along the rail and urged his filly through. Salomina shot to the front and opened up a slight lead.

Salomina increased her advantage through the final furlong, hitting the wire a comfortable winner. Nymphea closed well out in the center of the course to take second, with Waldtrout another three-quarters of a length back in third.

Final time for the 11 furlongs was 2:15.73 over good going.

Minarik, who was deputizing for suspended stable jockey Andrasch Starke, told reporters after the race: “There was no pressure on me as we knew we had the best horse in the field and I was confident from a long way out that she was going to win.”

Salomina was making her last start for owner/breeder Gestut Bona, who recently sold the filly to Australian Bloodstock. Salomina was bred in Germany and is out of the stakes-winning Tiger Hill mare Saldentigerin.