Liturgia Latina makes a triumphant return and stands tall in the Handicap Saint Simon
Returning from a layoff of nearly six months, the Seek Again filly outpaced Catys Queen by a length at San Isidro. Lucas González guided the Juan Saldivia trainee, who registered her third career victory in just five starts
The long layoff proved insufficient to dim the natural ability of Liturgia Latina (54 kg). Returning after nearly six months away from the track, the dark bay mare delivered a performance that rekindles high hopes for her future, comfortably capturing the Handicap Saint Simon, the headline event of Saturday's card at San Isidro, which served as the sole local fixture of the weekend.
Contested over 1,400 meters on the dirt main track against a competitive field of older fillies and mares, the daughter of Seek Again, partnered by jockey Lucas González, rose to the occasion in a demanding comeback assignment. Carrying 54 kilos, she found the required stamina in the closing stages to turn back Catys Queen (Lizard Island, 55 1/2 kg) by a length, leaving the strong impression that her career still holds considerable upside.
Trained by Juan Saldivia and bred by Haras La Esperanza, the winner carries the silks of Stud Haras Yo Bru Gi. Her triumphant return allowed her to resume a brief yet highly productive campaign, which had been temporarily halted by health issues that sidelined her for a significant portion of the current season.
The race unfolded in a manner well-suited to her style, though it still demanded tactical sharpness in the lane. While favorite Moon's Filly (Forge, 53 1/2 kg) and Catys Queen set the pace up front through fractions of 24s05 and 46s61, Liturgia Latina tracked comfortably from mid-pack, alternating between third and fourth position while staying within striking distance of the leaders without joining the early tussle.
González made full use of his inside draw, saving ground along the rail while awaiting the opportune moment to launch his challenge. As the field turned into the home stretch, the eventual winner occupied third position along the fence, positioned ideally to strike.
Her progress was calculated and sustained. She initially probed for a split along the rail to challenge Catys Queen, but when that rival shifted inward toward the fence, González was forced to alter his course. Swerving her out into the second path, Liturgia Latina found clear running room and responded with a decisive turn of foot.
The contest was settled in the final furlong. Liturgia Latina sustained her momentum, drew on terms with the leader, and seized command inside the final 50 meters. From there to the wire, she stretched her margin to a full length, reflecting her superior stamina in a stretch battle that called for both patience and determination.
Love Sound (Long Island Sound, 56 kg) completed the trifecta a length and a half behind the runner-up, while market leader Moon's Filly faded to finish fourth, a further three-quarters of a length adrift. The official time for the 1,400 meters was 1m22s15.
This marked the third victory in just five career starts for Liturgia Latina, a record that carries added weight given the lengthy layoff she was forced to overcome. The absence of match fitness did not prevent her from responding when the pressure mounted, nor did it hinder her ability to re-engage after changing course mid-stretch.
For Saldivia, the victory provided the satisfaction of bringing her back to top racing condition to capture a competitive event. For her connections, it reopens the opportunity to map out future plans with a 4-year-old mare who, despite limited mileage, retains ample room for development.
The Saint Simon yielded more than just a race winner: it brought an intriguing performer back to center stage. Liturgia Latina passed her comeback test in convincing fashion and launched the next chapter of her career. Following a lengthy wait, the return could not have had a better outcome.
