Ma Perque showed immense grit all the way around to shine in the Handicap British Empire

In her debut in the category, the mare from Stud El Olimpo prevailed by just a head and a head over Bichita de Luz and Rumba Feroz

The unstoppable streak of Ma Perque found its biggest stage yet Monday on the dirt at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo. After three straight allowance victories, the mare from Stud El Olimpo showed tremendous courage to make a winning transition into tougher company, capturing the Handicap British Empire over 1200 meters on a fast track.

Carrying 55 1/2 kilos, the daughter of Cosmic Trigger managed to prevail in a razor-tight finish, defeating Bichita de Luz (Fragotero, 60) and Rumba Feroz (Hurricane Cat, 53) by a head and another head.

Cristian Velázquez wasted no time aboard Ma Perque, sending her straight to the lead alongside favorite Joy Traviesa (Fortify, 57), who was returning from a layoff of several months. Through solid fractions of :24.32 and :46.91, the two leaders turned for home locked together, with Bichita de Luz looming dangerously close behind.

The first to weaken was Joy Traviesa, who understandably felt the effects of the break. Then Bichita de Luz appeared to edge ahead briefly, but in the decisive strides Ma Perque fought back along the rail and lowered her head at exactly the right moment, while Rumba Feroz stormed home from the back to grab the final spot on the podium. The final time of 1:11.11 was a highly respectable one.

Bred by Haras Juan Antonio and trained by Hugo M. Pérez, Ma Perque returned a generous $5.05 in a competitive betting race and recorded the fifth victory of her career from just 10 starts, maintaining an impressive 50 percent strike rate.

Ma Perque is the best runner produced so far by Major League (Mutakddim), from an old Haras Ojo de Agua family later developed extensively at La Quebrada, with notable representatives including G1 winner Magic Corner (Rainbow Corner), graded performers Musical Comedy (Southern Halo) and Major Leader (Mutakddim), as well as recent stakes winner Melancólica (Grand Reward).

Ma Perque made a strong statement in handicap company, a division she still appears capable of exploiting—as long as the weights do not become too heavy a burden.