Iota Wins German Oaks By Four Lengths

Iota's four-length win over the pacesetter North Queen in Sunday's Pries der Diana (Ger-I), or German Oaks, gave trainer Peter Schiergen a one-two finish at Hamburg.

Ridden by Terry Hellier, the German-bred Iota dropped back early in the 11-furlong event for 3-year-old fillies, but given the slow pace set by North Queen and jockey William Mongil, was soon pressing the leader after a half-mile. The daughter of Tiger Hill held a two-length advantage coming off the final bend and continued to add to her lead through the straight.

The Irish-bred North Queen was three-quarters of a length in front of Indigo Girl, with Gonbarda finishing fourth. Favored Wurfscheibe was fifth in the field of 12.

Iota, unbeaten in 13 starts, was the 13th winner of the German Oaks since 1935 for owner/breeder Gestut Schlenderhan.

The Yorkshire Oaks (Eng-I) Aug. 17 at York is the main goal for Iota, Schiergen said.

Basilea Gold (6), Power Girl (7), A Beautiful Mind (8), Nouvelle Noblesse (9), Anjuscha (10), Garden Route (11) and Colatina completed the order. The final time was 2:28.04 on soft going.