Progressive Pencarrow mare Choreomania (NZ) (Darci Brahma) stepped up over a middle-distance for the first time in her career on Wednesday at Tauranga, and she came away with a maiden victory.

Wednesday’s $18,500 Duncan Dental Maiden (2100m) was the fifth start for Choreomania, who had previously raced exclusively over 1600 metres and recorded a second, a third and two fifths from her four attempts.

The extra distance proved to be ideal on Wednesday for the Donna Logan-trained four-year-old, who was ridden by Craig Grylls.

Choreomania was in the middle of a line of three horses out in front as the field passed the finish line with a lap to go, and then by the time they turned into the back straight, she had eased back to sit just off the pace.

Choreomania moved back up on the outside of the leader Local Mischief (NZ) (El Roca) coming up to the home turn and threw down a challenge at the top of the straight.

The pair fought a tough battle through the last 300 metres, with Choreomania gradually getting the better of her rival and snatching a half-head victory in a tight finish.

“It was hard-earned, but in the end it was a lovely, tough maiden win for Choreomania at Tauranga,” Logan Racing said on Facebook.

“She has always shown she has ability, it was just a matter of stepping her out to a staying trip before she could prove it. Given a gem of a ride by Craig Grylls, she was able to show her determination for a very dogged win.

“A big congratulations and thanks to the Pencarrow Stud team, as well as Sir Peter Vela, for the ongoing support of our stable.

“As always, we can't forget to mention our great team of staff at the stable who put in all the hard work to make results like this possible.”

Choreomania’s five-start career has now produced a win, a second, a third and two fifths, earning $17,615 in stakes.

Bred by Pencarrow Thoroughbreds Ltd and raced by Sir Peter Vela, Choreomania is by the Pencarrow-bred Darci Brahma.

Sold by Pencarrow for $1.1m to Te Akau Racing’s Sir David Ellis at Karaka 2024, Darci Brahma was a five-time Group One winner on the racetrack and has gone on to sire over 640 winners. His 60 black-type winners include Nashville (NZ), Julinsky Prince (NZ), Recite (NZ), Sierra Sue (NZ), Catalyst (NZ), Risque (NZ), Artistic (NZ), Irish Fling (NZ), Kahma Lass (NZ), D B Pin (NZ), Devise (NZ) and Gust Of Wind (NZ) at Group One level.

The dam of Choreomania is Pencarrow homebred Choreography (NZ) (Volksraad), who placed twice in a brief five-start racing career. She is a half-sister to the Group Two winner and Group One-placed Rasa Lila (NZ) (Darci Brahma), the Group Three winner Posavina (NZ) (Tiger Hill) and the stakes-placed Luen On Dance Kid (NZ) (Snitzel).

Choreomania became Choreography’s third winner from four foals to race, joining the winner Burgundy Dancer (NZ) (Burgundy) and two-time winner Fosse (NZ) (Darci Brahma).

Choreography has an unnamed two-year-old filly by Astern and was served by Mr Mozart last season.