Fantastic Moon is set to return to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after a commanding victory in the 154th Grosser Preis von Baden. British challenger Dubai Honour, who finished as the runner-up, could not match Fantastic Moon’s performance.
Trained by Sarah Steinberg and sired by Sea The Moon, Fantastic Moon previously competed in the Arc last season, following wins in the German Derby and the Prix Niel, the latter held over the same course and distance as the Arc. He finished 11th in the Arc, possibly due to softer ground not suiting him. This season, however, he has shown impressive form, securing a win in a Cologne Group Two race and a solid second place in the Gross Dallmayr-Preis at Munich.
In Baden-Baden, he was once again ridden by Rene Piechulek, the Arc-winning jockey known for his success with Torquator Tasso. The race offered the quick ground Fantastic Moon prefers, and he faced a competitive field that included William Haggas’ Dubai Honour, last seen at the King George at Ascot.
Despite being the even-money favourite, Dubai Honour could not outpace Fantastic Moon, who, priced at 21-10, delivered a winning performance by a length and a quarter. This victory secures Fantastic Moon’s spot in the Arc.
Lars-Wilhelm Baumgarten of the Liberty Racing syndicate, which owns the horse, expressed his enthusiasm: "What a day, what a horse. He’s a star."
He praised the ride from Rene Piechulek, noting, "It was a world-class performance. He’s the best horse in Germany, and we’re heading straight to the Arc. Rene will ride him, and we’re thrilled. Fantastic Moon thrives on good ground and needs to relax during the race to give his best."
Following the win, Coral adjusted Fantastic Moon’s Arc odds to 25-1, with Baumgarten concluding, "Our syndicate is very happy and excited to be heading back to Paris."