An exciting new addition to the OTI ranks, Herbal, will make his first appearance for his new connections this Saturday when he contests the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Bayern in Munich, Germany. We have recently joined Ireland’s Ballylinch Stud in racing the four-year-old entire.
Already rated 110 after just five starts, Herbal has shown considerable promise in France and now gets an early opportunity at Group 1 level.
A striking liver chestnut by one of the world’s top stallions Lope de Vega, he bears a remarkable resemblance to his sire. He is out of the stakes-performed Sea The Stars mare Yarrow.
Under the care of Chantilly-based trainer Philippe Decouz, he made an impressive start to his racing career, recording two victories and is already Group placed from his first five outings.
Herbal wins at Longchamp in September
He made a winning debut at Compiegne in May before stepping straight into stronger company over 2000m at Longchamp the following month. Despite facing some more experienced rivals, including Group 3 and Listed winner Mont de Soleil, Herbal produced an impressive finish from the rear of the field to grab victory on the line.
In September he stepped into Group 3 company for the first time in the Prix du Prince d’Orange at Longchamp, a recognised lead-up to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. At just his fourth career start, he finished an excellent 2nd.
Herbal then tackled one of France’s strongest Group 2 contests, the 2200m Prix du Conseil de Paris at Longchamp in October. He finished fourth in a tightly contested finish, beaten just a neck.
This Saturday’s assignment represents another exciting step forward, with Herbal set to tackle the 2400m Group 1 event Germany on November 7. Click here to view the field.