Ataka Secures Career-Best Victory at Palermo

Over a heavy track, Stud Puey’s representative captured the Handicap Haras Chapadmalal

Ataka finished strongly, never losing an inch / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The consistent campaign of Ataka found its brightest moment yet on a rainy but well-attended Monday afternoon at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, as the daughter of Señor Candy powered through a testing heavy track to capture the Handicap Haras Chapadmalal with authority.

Carrying a moderate impost of 122 lbs. and partnered by Pablo Carrizo, the Stud Puey homebred continues to progress impressively through the ranks. After launching her career in the alternative division and making her mark in open company, the filly made a smooth transition to stakes level with this breakthrough success.

Unhurried early, Ataka hugged the rail and steadily improved around the turn, looming closer to front-runners Free Prize(Winning Prize) and topweight Early Life (Suggestive Boy, 133.5 lbs.). Sticking to the inside path—the preferred footing—she hit her best stride in upper stretch, overtaking a game Free Prize with 200 meters to go before pulling clear to a 2 1/2-length victory. Holly Valley (Homage) checked in third, another 3/4 of a length back, with final time for the 1200 meters a solid 1:11.88 over the demanding going, after fractions of :23.83 and :47.31.

Bred by Haras de La Pomme and trained by Juan Luis Panizza, Ataka now owns 4 wins from 7 career starts, never off the board, with earnings of ARS 20,402,500.

She is out of the accomplished Takahuita (Mutakddim), a multiple handicap winner who also produced G1-placed Tamagochi (Manipulator) and the dam of stakes winner Save Your Tears (Full Mast).