German genes proving a source of speed as well as stamina

The German thoroughbred is held in high regard on many counts, especially when it comes to soundness and durability. With only four juvenile Group races staged during the season, the archetypal member of the species tends to come into its own during its Classic year and beyond, and often thrives over middle-distances.

Recent renewals of the King George have provided ample testament to that, having been the stage for Danedream’s gritty victory over Nathaniel in 2012 and Novellist’s romp a year later.

On the other hand, the German thoroughbred isn’t so readily associatand ed with sprinting, certainly not in the manner of either its Australian or North American counterparts for example.