Can star filly Alpinista earn more Group 1 glory against top German colts?

59th Preis von Europa (Group 1) | 3yo+ | 1m4f

While much of the country's attention on Sunday will be turned towards the Bundestag elections and the race to succeed Angela Merkel, Cologne hosts its biggest race of the year in the Preis von Europa, a prize which has been won by British-based trainers eight times this century.

When Luke Morris and Alpinista claimed Group 1 glory in the Grosser Preis von Berlin early last month, it looked a shrewd piece of placing by trainer sir Mark Prescott and owner-breeder Kirsten Rausing.

Subsequent events suggested it was a race which took plenty of winning. Runner-up Torquator Tasso went on to land Germany's most important all-aged race, the Grosser Preis von Baden, and now heads to the Arc, while third-placed Walton Street bolted up last weekend in the Pattison Canadian International at Woodbine.

Prescott said: "She has been in good form and her previous race has worked out better than one could have expected really, with the second winning a Group 1 and so did the third for Godolphin.

"We must hope she is still in the same form and that she can follow in her grandmother's footsteps."

Albanova was the filly in question in 2004 in the days when Seb Sanders did the steering for Prescott and Rausing.

Northern Ruler could present a major challenge to Alpinista and Sisfahan in the Group 1 Preis von EuropaCredit: Racing Post/Scott Burton

While Alpinista comes into the race after a well-advertised win, she will face Germany's leading three-year-old colt, Sisfahan, who landed the Deutsches Derby at Hamburg before chasing home Torquator Tasso at Baden-Baden.

Nor should Northern Ruler be underestimated, having got the better of Prix Niel hero Bubble Gift in the Prix du Lys at Chantilly in June.

Trainer Andreas Wohler is adamant Northern Ruler needs good ground and has the potential to upgrade his two most recent starts in France, while Maxime Guyon travels to take the ride.

More to read:

'This was the plan' - Prescott hails Morris after Alpinista lands first Group 1 win

Alpinista provides Sir Mark Prescott with first Group win in four years

Prix Jean Prat winner Laws Of Indices sold to continue career in Australia

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