Flori shock in Germany

British raider Norse Dancer and Irish challenger Fracas made no impression as Prince Flori sprang a surprise in the Group One Grosser Volkswagen Preis von Baden at Baden-Baden.

The three-year-old, trained by Sascha Smrczek and ridden by Filip Minarik, had been well-beaten by Schiaparelli in the German Derby but turned the form upside down.

The 40-1 shot burst through the field a furlong out to win by three lengths from Oriental Tiger, with Saddex third.

“I didn´t want to run here because I thought the race was too difficult, but Mrs Damast (owner) said she wanted to try it. I have to say thank you to her,” said Dusseldorf-based Smrczek.

Schiaparelli was a disappointing sixth and his trainer Peter Schiergen said: “We cannot explain this running.”

Norse Dancer, trained by David Elsworth, was seventh and his rider John Egan blamed the going.

“He didn´t handle the soft ground at all,” he said.

David Wachman´s Fracas weakened quickly into eighth spot.