Hirschberger hoping to tap in to spirit of 2012 with Berghain

He may be saddling the outsider of seven in Thursday evening's Matchbook VIP Henry II Stakes (7.05) but Jens Hirschberger knows just what it takes to win in Britain.

Five years ago Hirschberger brought Energizer to the royal meeting for a famous German success in the Group 3 Tercentenary Stakes and he hopes he might have a candidate for an even bigger prize in a month's time.

Berghain's participation in the Gold Cup is contingent on a bold showing at Sandown and is a project driven by the memory of another 2012 Ascot hero, Colour Vision.

"The owner dreams of running Berghain in the Gold Cup because he bred Colour Vision, who won the race a few years ago," said Hirschberger. "He would love to breed a new Gold Cup winner so we are going to Sandown as a test to see if he is good enough."

Berghain races in the colours of Capricorn Stud and the four-year-old son of Medicean will be racing beyond a mile and three-quarters for the first time.

Jens Hirschberger, pictured in 2008 with AdlerflugCredit: Racingfotos / Frank Sorge

Hirschberger said: "We don’t have a suitable race over this distance in Germany at the moment. Last year he was third in the Italian St Leger in Milan but then his comeback race this year at Hoppergarten was not so good.

"It was too wet for him and he couldn’t act on the ground properly. I’d like good ground and a fast pace which, with Big Orange and the others in there, I think he will get."

Hirschberger has not had a runner in Britain since that memorable summer of 2012.

He said: "Energizer was a great experience and I would like to go back. If this horse can be in the first three at Sandown then I think we’ll go for the Gold Cup."