Chocotorta aims to delay her transition to the breeding shed, driven by a string of outstanding performances

Approaching age seven, the daughter of Todo Un Amiguito is showing the best form of her career, recently capturing the Tintilla Handicap

Chocotorta turned up the pressure in the final stages and achieved her goal / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

At six years old and well into her career, when she could easily be transitioning to broodmare duties, Chocotorta is doing everything necessary to prolong her time on the track. In peak form—undoubtedly the best of her career—the bay mare representing Rosario’s Stud H.D. made a statement on Monday by stepping beyond the conditions ranks to claim the Tintilla Handicap (1000m, dirt), one of the highlights on a sweltering day at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo.

Following a respectable effort in the Francisco B. Bosch (G3) and reunited with jockey William Pereyra, the daughter of Todo Un Amiguito managed to prevail in a tight finish, earning the winner’s share of 4,700,000 pesos.

Carrying 56 1/2 kilos, the third-highest weight in the field, Chocotorta raced from off the pace as favorite Betania B (Angiolo, 56) set the tempo. As the race progressed, she began to close the gap, launching her final assault from the 300-meter mark to the wire.

With a steady charge, she erased the leader’s advantage and edged ahead by half a neck in the final strides. Una Felicidad (In the Dark, 57 1/2), who endured a poor break and was last early, unleashed a powerful finish to claim third, just half a length behind, after weaving through the field from post position 2 to hug the outside rail at the finish. The final time of 55.55 seconds was solid for the division.

Bred by the renowned Haras La Quebrada and conditioned by Mauricio Bortulé, Chocotorta celebrated her sixth career victory from 27 starts and her third win in her last four outings.

The mare is the first foal out of the talented Chocoloca (Grand Reward), a Listed winner of the Francia Stakes during her racing career and a standout sprinter. Her pedigree boasts a formidable imported lineage, tracing back to Storm Cat (Northern Dancer) and producing several notable performers in Argentina, including the exceptional miler Ilusora (Parade Marshal) among others.