Galitza Gets the Better of Costa Dark in Another Thrilling Chapter of Growing Rivalry

The Rubio B. mare edged her rival by a nose to capture the Handicap Juan C. Noriega, evening the score at 2-2 in their budding head-to-head rivalry

Galitza (left) nailed front-running Costa Dark right at the wire / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

In what is quickly becoming one of the most compelling rivalries on the local scene, Galitza (Bodemeister, 57.5 kilos) and Costa Dark (In the Dark, 59 kilos) once again delivered a show-stopping performance, this time in the Handicap Juan Carlos Noriega (1600m, dirt), held Friday at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo in honor of the beloved jockey known as Chupino. The race served as the co-feature alongside Mr Neil's victory in the Handicap Intérprete.

In the fourth meeting between the two mares, it was Galitza, representing Stud Rubio B., who leveled their personal series at 2-2, just weeks after besting Costa Dark by 3/4 of a length in the Handicap Court Harwell. This time, it came down to the final stride, with Galitza surging late to win by a nose in a dramatic photo finish.

True to form, Juan Cruz Villagra sent Costa Dark straight to the front, setting a sharp pace with fractions of :23.36, :46.72, and 1:10.75. William Pereyra, patient aboard the eventual winner, kept his mount in the clear and poised for a late run. As the stretch battle unfolded, Galitza loomed boldly on the outside and seemed momentarily headed for a more decisive win—but Costa Dark dug in fiercely, forcing the decision right down to the wire. The final time was a solid 1:34.97, and the remainder of the field was well behind.

“It was a great race—these two mares always put on a show,” said Pereyra in a post-race interview with Lía Camps for Palermo TV. “Galitza is really becoming versatile. She lets us place her where we want depending on the break and the race shape. It was a beautiful finish—sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Receiving a trophy from Chupino made it even more special. I’m always grateful to him; he helped me a lot when I was starting out and I still ask for his advice.”

Out of Golden Yoga (Easing Along) and a granddaughter of the outstanding Golden Sonata (Mr. Prospector), Galitzahas now won four of her eleven starts, having debuted late at three but steadily rising through the ranks as a 4-year-old.