16 September 2020
Photo scoopdyga.com
Wednesday, September 16, 2020, Auteuil. - Formerly known as the Edmond Barrachin 4yo Chase, which has become The Fellow 4yo Chase in 2014, and then The Fellow - Marquise de Moratalla 4yo Chase (Gr3), the highlight of today's meeting remains a potential comeback for the best 4-year-old chasers with a view to the Maurice Gillois 4yo Chase (Gr1). The upheavals of this season have not changed that.
This is how, anyway, Le Berry (Gemix) came to practice for the first time this season at Auteuil, winning from start to finish by ten lengths, one more than at the end of his last success in the Prix La Périchole 4yo Chase (Gr3), in July. This time, he beats Gratos de l'Isle (Cokoriko), owned by Jacques Détré, also the owner of the 3rd-placed Polisud (Lord of the South), fifteen lengths further down. For a long time in his tail, Mauricius (Kapgarde) unseated his rider at the 2nd last jump in this 2m6f trip.
Taking into account the fact that the Ferdinand Dufaure 4yo Chase (Gr1), the Spring “Grand Steeple” for 4-year-olds, took place in June at Compiègne (winner: Gardons le Sourire), the revenge of the Autumn that is the “Gillois” is now cast in a completely new light.
Le Berry, unbeaten over fences in four chases now, becomes the obvious favourite of the championship, scheduled for November 8 on the same course and distance than the The Fellow - Marquise de Moratalla 4yo Chase.
The grey gelding races for Gemini Stud, like his sire Gemix, associated with Écurie Roebeck, Benjamin Teboul and trainer David Cottin.
Le Berry's dam, Kalberry (Kaldounevees), never jumped and finished fourth in the Prix de Flore (Gr3) for her co-breeder, Mrs Édouard Decazes, associated with Louis Le Métayer on Le Berry's breeding. The mare's first offspring, Berryville (Poliglote), won the Grand Prix de Pau (Gr3) twice after placing in the Derby de l'Ouest over the flat. He is the same family as the winner of the Melbourne Cup (Gr1), Caulfied Cup (Gr1) and Hong Kong Vase (Gr1) Dunaden.