Titmus Reprises in Style, Targets First Stakes Win in Palermo's Sierra Balcarce

The Daughter of Cima de Triomphe Finished Fifth, 2 1/2 Lengths Behind Coni Fizz in the Estrellas, After a 9-Month Layoff

Risible Looms as One of the Main Threats to Titmus / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

After the top-tier racing on display last Saturday, Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo will return to a more modest program on Monday, with a card largely composed of lower-level events. One notable exception is the Clásico Sierra Balcarce, a 2200-meter turf contest for fillies and mares four years old and up, run under weight-for-age conditions.

Only seven runners were entered for the feature, with Titmus emerging as the standout. The Cima de Triomphe filly, a homebred for Haras La Leyenda, will be making her first start on Palermo’s inner turf course and comes off a strong comeback effort.

Second in the G2 Clásico General Luis María Campos and fourth in the G1 Gran Premio Polla de Potrancas, Titmus was highly competitive in the G1 Gran Premio Estrellas Distaff, where she finished fifth, just 2 1/2 lengths behind Coni Fizz (Marconi), despite a nine-and-a-half-month layoff. With fitness no longer a concern, she now stretches out to 2200 meters for the first time against a group that offers some intriguing opposition.

Among her main rivals is Risible (Orpen), trained by Roberto Bullrich, who looks to rebound after a disappointing effort over 2500 meters in the G2 Clásico Juan Carlos y Jorge Baillères (ex Correas). Despite the recent misfire, she remains a filly held in high regard by her connections.

Argomasa (Lucullan) also merits respect. A steadily improving type, she recently earned her first stakes placing when finishing third, beaten 5 1/2 lengths by Romana Craf (Mastercraftsman), in the listed Clásico Espirita, and continues to move forward with each start.

A notch below the top trio is Maximiana (Treasure Beach), who steps into stakes company following a pair of solid allowance efforts. Her pedigree suggests that the extended distance could suit her well.

Rounding out the field are Beauty de Triomphe (Cima de Triomphe), Kalansara (Fortify), and Olimpia de Epiro (Southern Cat)—all of whom will need to step up their form significantly to contend.

With a classy résumé and a sharp prep run under her belt, Titmus will be the one they’ll all have to catch in this edition of the Sierra Balcarce.