Shall Switzerland Secure the Home Win in Sankt Gallen?
Switzerland comes out as the favourite to take the gold on home soil in the Nations Cup of Sankt Gallen this afternoon. Can they repeat last year’s performance and claim victory?
The first leg of the European Division of the Longines FEI Nations Cup series is upon us. Especially the home nation has lined up a strong team to ensure a solid start to the season. Which teams are forecast a good performance by EquiRatings’ Jumping Prediction Centre?
Switzerland (Win 26% - Podium 60%)
Martin Fuchs & Leone Jei (762)
The home crowd is in for a treat with the team selected by Chef d’Equipe Michel Sorg. With Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei coming forward today as frontrunners, they have the highest-rated horse in the field on their side. Not only were they a part of the winning team on home soil last year, they produced one of just three crucial double clear rounds.
Steve Guerdat & Venard de Cerisy (737)
These two know what’s at stake here in Sankt Gallen, they too were a part of last year’s winning team. This will only be their second outing at 160 in 2023, but with their extensive experience, they are surely motivated to deliver the clears today.
Bryan Balsiger & Dubai du Bois Pinchet (686)
Despite a miscommunication in the jump-off of the Rolex Grand Prix of Rome last weekend, this duo showed signs of being in good shape after a clear in the first round.
Edouard Schmitz & Gamin van ’t Naastveldhof (682)
This will be their first outing at 160 since the World Cup Finals in Omaha, but they had a good result finishing second in a 155 JO class in Hamburg just two weeks ago.
France (Win 20% - Podium 54%)
Francois Xavier Boudant and Brazyl du Mezel (715) come in as the highest-rated French combination. Despite producing the crucial double clear in the CSIO3* Nations Cup in Kronenberg a couple weeks ago to help the French team take the win, this will be the pair’s first appearance on a five-star Nations Cup team.
Netherlands (Win 15% - Podium 46%)
This team is spearheaded by Harrie Smolders and Bingo du Parc (710). This pair are coming in fresh off the back of a Top 8 finish in last week’s Rolex Grand Prix of Rome, demonstrating solid form at the highest level, as well as on big grass arenas.