by Tim Nichols

Grade 3 winner Evita Argentina denied Mi Chiamano Mimi a second-straight front-running stakes win as she mounted a last-to-first rally to win the $111,100 Moccasin Stakes on Sunday at Hollywood Park.

In her first start since finishing ninth in the Bessemer Trust Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) on October 24, Evita Argentina won the seven-furlong race by 1½ lengths in 1:21.50 on the synthetic Cushion Track surface.

“Every time I’ve ridden her she’s given me 100%,” winning jockey Tyler Baze said. “She’s straight forward and gives you what she’s got. They were going fast and this filly was cool as a cucumber. She’s special to me and I really love her.”

Evita Argentina raced last in the 11-horse field as Mi Chiamano Mimi set blistering factions of :22.17 and :44.60 through a half-mile while being pushed by multiple Grade 1-placed winner Palacio de Amor.

Baze positioned Evita Argentina to the outside on the turn, and she made a sweeping move into contention.

As 1.30-to-1 favorite Mi Chiamano Mimi and Palacio de Amor dueled in the stretch, Evita Argentina responded to Baze’s urging and powered clear for the win. Mi Chiamano Mimi nipped Palacio de Amor by a neck for second.

Trainer John Sadler said he is considering Evita Argentina for the $250,000 Hollywood Starlet Stakes (G1) on December 13.

Owned by Halo Farms and Three Sisters Thoroughbreds, Evita Argentina improved to three wins in five career starts and increased her earnings to $204,900. She won the Sorrento Stakes (G3) on August 6 at Del Mar.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Tim Nichols is a Thoroughbred Times assistant daily news editor