13 September 2021
Photo scoopdyga.com
September 12, 2021, ParisLongchamp Racecourse (Paris). - Three times second in succession last Spring in the Saint-Georges (Gr3), the Gros-Chêne (Gr2) and the Hampton (L), Berneuil (Lope de Vega) was way better for his come back after three months out over the Qatar Prix du Petit-Couvert (Gr3)'s 5-furlong straight. Owned by Antoine Gilibert and his trainers entraîneurs Carlos et Yann Lerner, he travelled behind the leading group until he was able to come between the front-running Collinsbay (Cable Bay) and the rail, the latter holding off every other challenge to finish 2nd at 3 1/2 lengths!
Coming from the rear, Wild Majesty (Kodiac) finished well in 3rd at a neck, another neck ahead of Mo Celita (Camacho), who also dashed in the end. However, the tracking system says that the winner was fastest than every other runner in the two last furlongs, and it is even more impressive bearing in mind that he was on his own in the very last one.
Berneuil was bought for €40,000 at the Arqana October sale by his trainers. His Gleneagles sister made €60,000 a year later in August. Named Ashen, she won a handicap with a 62lbs tag last Summer over 7 furlongs at Divonne-les-Bains. Their dam Derivatives (Dansili), a Darley-bred filly out of a Nassau Stakes (Gr1) winner, won once at Dieppe before entering stud. Sold twice, she went for €48,000, barren, at Deauville, and then in foal to Sea the Stars at Tattersalls a year later for £135 000.