TDN RISING STARS

September 11, 2022 - Dusseldorf, Race 2, Mdn, EUR €7,000, 8f, 99.1800

Aspirant (Ger), C, 2, 2020 by Protectionist (Ger)

1st Dam: Aussicht (Ger), by Haafhd (GB)
2nd Dam: Anna Thea (Ire), by Turfkonig (Ger)
3rd Dam: Anstandige (Ger), by Star Appeal

Owner: Gestut Rottgen
Breeder: Gestut Rottgen (Ger)
Trainer: Markus Klug

Gestut Rottgen's homebred 2-year-old colt Aspirant (Ger) (Protectionist {Ger}-Aussicht {Ger}, by Haafhd {GB}), who holds an engagement in Krefeld's Nov. 13 G3 Herzog von Ratibor-Rennen, went postward as the 16-5 second choice for Sunday's one-mile Preis der Holschbach Immobilien Gruppe at Dusseldorf and returned home with a 'TDN Rising Star' after disposing of his rivals in impressive fashion. Aspirant was professional from the gate and broke well to gain a narrow advantage going into the first turn. Comfortable on the lead throughout this debut, he was nudged along at the top of the straight and powered clear under urging inside the final quarter mile to easily outclass Alpenjager (Ger) (Nutan {Ire}) by an impressive 3 1/2 lengths.

"I'm a little bit surprised that he won so easily," trainer Markus Klug admitted to GaloppOnline after welcoming back the first of his two winners on the card. "Even though his siblings [Akribie and Ariolo] were good 2-year-olds, he is a late-foaled son of Protectionist and didn't come into training until very late. So, of course, we have to be tentative with him at first."

Aspirant is the fifth foal and scorer produced by a winning daughter of G3 Hamburger Stutenpreis victrix Anna Thea (Ire) (Turfkonig {Ger}). The April-foaled bay is a half-brother to G2 Diana-Trial winner Akribie (Ger) (Reliable Man {GB}) and last term's G3 Herzog von Ratibor-Rennen runner-up Ariolo (Ger) (Reliable Man {GB}). Descendants of Anna Thea also include this term's G2 Derby Italiano hero and G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin third Ardakan (GB) (Reliable Man {GB}), G2 Union-Rennen victor Aspectus (Ire) (Spectrum {Ire}), stakes-winning G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud runner-up Willie The Whipper (GB) (Whipper) and G1 Preis der Diana (German Oaks) third Andrea (Ger) (Dashing Blade {GB}).