Ataka Returns to Palermo with a Dominant Victory in Handicap El Centauro

The mare representing Stud Puey launched a sustained rally to reel in the runaway Legítima Blan in the final strides

Ataka rallied from the back of the pack to secure her sixth career victory / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

After nearly 6 months without crossing the wire first, the talented Ataka (58 1/2 kg.) found her way back to the winner's circle this Monday at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo. She was unstoppable, unleashing a powerful rally in the Handicap El Centauro, the feature race of the day contested over 1400 meters on the dirt.

Trailing far back for most of the trip, the daughter of Señor Candy took full advantage of the pace set by the favorite Emely (Il Campione, 60). In the closing stages, she reeled in the runaway Legítima Blan (Equal Legítimo, 54 1/2), who was on the verge of pulling off an upset after taking command from the pacesetter midway through the stretch.

Pablo Carrizo, the winning jockey, showed great composure when Ataka looked a bit stretched out around the turn, assisting her and searching for racing room on the outside to launch a clear bid upon entering the straight. Up front, Emely lacked the determination of her best afternoons, despite facing relatively easy conditions early on.

It was a sustained and larguísima rally for the Stud Puey mare, who ultimately prevailed by 1 length over Legítima Blan, with Free Prize (Winning Prize, 57 1/2) finishing third, another half-length back. Meanwhile, Emely could only manage fourth, 4 lengths off the winner. The final time was 1:11.87 on a demanding track.

Conditioned by José L. Panizza and bred by Haras de La Pomme, this marked the sixth victory for the chestnut, and her third at the handicap level.