Costa Dark showcased her speed, stamina, and determination to secure the most significant victory of her career

The Cordoba-bred mare took command from the start and dug deep in the stretch to fend off Galitza and claim victory in the Tatán Handicap

Juan Cruz Villagra delivered a standout ride aboard a courageous Costa Dark / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Each time she competes, Costa Dark travels over 600 kilometers from her stable at the Río Cuarto Racetrack to the track at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo to prove she’s a mare of real quality.

While stakes company may still feel a touch beyond her reach, Costa Dark continues to show signs that breaking through that barrier might just be a matter of time. This Monday, she offered further proof of her potential with an impressive victory in the Tatán Handicap (1800m, dirt), one of the feature races on a scorching day of racing.

The daughter of In the Dark had been performing at an excellent level recently and took the expected step forward to record her fifth career victory—and her first outside of the conditions ranks. Displaying both stamina and grit, she prevailed over a field that, while not the toughest, was certainly competitive.

Under a skillful ride by Juan Cruz Villagra and carrying 56 kilograms, the Sergio Carezzana trainee took control of the pace almost immediately. Hugging the rail through the stretch, she fought valiantly to hold off Galitza (Bodemeister, 54 1/2), who finished a close second, just a head behind.

Three lengths back, Noche Plateada (In the Dark, 56) completed the trifecta, with Priola (South Kissing, 53 1/2) another four lengths behind in fourth. A further six lengths separated Reina Casada (Long Island Sound, 57), who narrowly avoided finishing last, edging out Olimpia de Epiro (Southern Cat, 52 1/2) by a head. The race was clocked in a sharp 1:47.20.

Bred by the Frizzo family at Haras Costa del Río in Córdoba, Costa Dark races for Stud Los Raro and is out of the American mare Timber Tales (Forestry), who has produced four other winners in Argentina. Her pedigree features notable names such as Period (Mr. Greeley).

With five wins from 17 starts, Costa Dark has found her stride at age five, showing the consistency and form necessary to excel in tougher company. Her connections can now begin to dream of stepping up to stakes competition in the near future, though they’ll need to act quickly before time catches up with her as July approaches.