Torquator Tasso Eyes Repeat in Preis von Baden

The winner of Germany's top all-aged race will literally be treading in the footsteps of history on their way back to the Baden-Baden enclosure, as they stride back up a brick walkway that features the names of every previous winner.

Last year's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) hero Torquator Tasso  already features at the very end of that walk, and he will be a short-priced favorite Sept. 4 to win the 152nd Wettstar Grosser Preis von Baden (G1), with connections hoping it will act as a springboard for a defense of his Longchamp crown. He also won the Preis von Baden last year.

With regular rider Rene Piechulek required to partner Mendocino, Frankie Dettori has the job of guiding the son of Adlerflug  and he will be hoping he can add a fourth success to go with those of Germany, Marienbard and Mamool already immortalized on the brick walk.

"We thought even last winter that there was a chance Torquator Tasso and Mendocino might meet," said trainer Marcel Weiss. "I joked with the owners that there was no need to worry, we'd just call up Frankie Dettori. Eight months later, here we are."

Following an excellent effort when running second to Pyledriver  by 2 3/4 lengths July 23 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (G1), adding to his famous victory in Paris, Torquator Tasso will be a prohibitive favorite in the select four-runner line-up.

Weiss said: "Torquator Tasso has definitely improved again since his run at Ascot, his last two pieces of work on the turf have been just as good as ever and he really loves this time of year."

If the build-up has been nothing but positive, Weiss is a man to not get carried away, and he does have a couple of concerns.

"I wouldn't say only having four runners is ideal, it could turn into a bit of a farce," said Weiss. "I'd like there to be a good gallop and we would have more chance of that with eight or ten runners. I hope they don't all end up staring at each other.

"The other thing is that, although he won this race last year, he is definitely better going right-handed."

Even allowing for weight for age, Sammarco  has six pounds to find with Torquator Tasso according to the official German handicapper, but his profile is nothing if not progressive.

Having got the better of a blanket finish in the Derby, he showed a fine turn of foot to run down Saturday's group 2 winner Amazing Grace  and French-trained challenger Ebaiyra  over 1 1/14 miles in the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis - Bayerisches Zuchtrennen (G1) July 31.

Trainer Peter Schiergen and owner Helmut von Finck have put all talk of the Arc on hold until after the Grosser Preis, but the possibility that he could be supplemented is far from discounted should he excel.