12 March 2022
Photo scoopdyga.com
Saturday, March 12, 2022, Auteuil Racecourse (Paris). - Latino des Isles (Martaline) had won the Congress 3yo Chase (Gr2) last time out and his seasonal comeback was very much anticipated in the Duc d’Anjou 4yo Chase (Gr3), as he was carrying 10-12, roughly 4 to 9 lbs more than his seven competitors on the occasion.
One of his main rivals, Iceo Madrik (Choeur du Nord), winner in January of the Christian de Lhermitte 4yo Chase (L) at Cagnes-sur-Mer, led the way. Along with the favourite and Tonguetted (Kapgarde), they formed the leading trio over the short 2m1 1/2f of the race. At the second last, they were still pretty much on their own in contention, soon joined, however, by Iniesta du Gouet (Coastal Path). Finally, after the last, and despite his heavier burden, Latino des Isles proved the best again. He beat Tonguetted by almost a length, a length and a half in front of Iniesta du Gouet, as Iceo Madrik finally gave way in the last 100 yards. Latino des Isles is now confirmed as the leader of his promotion over the bigger jumps, with the Ferdinand Dufaure 4yo Chase (Gr1) as the obvious aim.
Owned by Hub de Montmirail and CEA Equi Flore, bred by Catherine Pousin, he's trained by Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé. The breeder has also bred Santana du Berlais (Saint des Saints) in partnership with Jean-Marc Lucas of the Haras du Berlais.
She took the Listed-winner Isle Enchantée (Trempolino) to Martaline (Linamix), as a sire who, despite passing away in 2019, is still very much in fashion with his best offspring to date Paul’s Saga, Kotkikova, Kamelie, Disko, Srelighonn, Styline, We Have A Dream, Terrefort, Chimère du Berlais, Martinstar, Athena du Berlais still heading the Auteuil news!
On the dam side, this is the family of the 1997 Oaks 2nd Gazelle Royale, and over jumps it's been celebrated for producing Mésange Royale, an Alain du Breil 4yo Hurdle (Gr1)-winner, also La Grive, dam of Grivette, Roxinela, Royaleety, etc.
Latino des Isles is the best foal out of Isle Enchantée so far. At the Arqana Autumn sale in 2021, Latino des Iles's younger brother Fuego des Iles (Saint des Saints) was bought by Trotting Bloodstock for €65,000, tend days after his Congress win ...