Senorita Bonita, the filly who had already emerged as a prominent name from the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up sale, delivered a winning performance in Friday’s G2 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket. The daughter of Starspangledbanner secured first place, a victory that mirrored her strong showing at the earlier auction, where she had been the top lot.
Her rival from the Craven Breeze-Up, Libertango, a filly from the No Nay Never lineage, ultimately finished second in the Group Two contest. These two fillies had previously secured the first and second spots respectively at the Tattersalls sale, an event where Senorita Bonita commanded a price of 900,000gns, while Libertango was sold for 400,000gns.
Newmarket Victory for Senorita Bonita
In the lead-up to the G2 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes, Senorita Bonita was sent off as the 9-4 second favourite. The market leader for the race was Libertango, who was priced at 10-11 and had previously achieved success in the Albany following her Breeze-Up sale.
The early tempo of the race was steady, a factor that more favoured Senorita Bonita, who was positioned in third place. As they approached the furlong pole, Oisin Murphy gave the green light to Senorita Bonita, allowing her to gain an advantage over her main rival. The Crisfords’ chestnut filly maintained her strength to the line, ultimately securing victory by three-quarters of a length over the George Boughey-trained Libertango.
Joseph O’Brien’s Alwaysanangel, a Fairyhouse maiden winner by Harry Angel, made a strong finish to be only a short head away in third place. Senorita Bonita had previously finished two lengths behind Victorious at Royal Ascot, and a renewal of rivalry with the Ballydoyle starlet could be on the horizon soon.
Trainer Insights and Future Plans
Ed Crisford, co-trainer of Senorita Bonita, reflected on the dynamics of the race. He noted that they went no pace early, and the race was messy. The filly also experienced a bump, which Crisford said had “set her alight a bit but Oisin just settled her lovely.” Crisford highlighted her “electric” turn of foot on the day, describing it as “a good performance.”
Following her Royal Ascot run, Crisford stated that they felt she wanted six furlongs. Looking ahead, he indicated that plans for the Prix Morny are next. Senorita Bonita now carries a penalty in Group Twos, and her performance confirmed her as “a very good filly.” Beyond Deauville, the Cheveley Park is a considered future engagement.
George Boughey, trainer of Libertango, offered his perspective on his filly’s run. He observed that the pace early on seemed a little slow. Boughey explained that Libertango had quickened off a very fast pace at Royal Ascot, suggesting she “just got a little bit lost and didn’t quite have that finishing kick she had last time.”
Boughey added that Libertango “has not lost a huge amount in defeat” and that the team would assess her position before making future plans. The Lowther is certainly a possibility for the filly, though Boughey noted that they would “let the dust settle” as she has had “three very quick runs.”
Breeders’ Pride in Rapid Progression
Michael and Anne Gaffney, who bred Senorita Bonita at their Churchtown House Stud in Mallow, Co Cork, expressed their immense satisfaction. Michael Gaffney stated, “This is really brilliant to have a filly who has gone so far so quickly.” He conveyed their profound pride in her achievements, describing her performance after Royal Ascot as “beyond our widest dreams.”
The filly is a homebred, with the Gaffneys also having bred her dam, Belicious, by Ruler Of The World. Michael Gaffney’s brother, Tom, who is at Castlehyde Stud where Starspangledbanner stands, is also a part-breeder of Senorita Bonita. Starspangledbanner is currently enjoying “an unbelievable season.”
Further details regarding Belicious include her current state of being in foal to Camille Pissarro. The family also includes a Modern Games yearling filly, which is set to head to the Goffs Orby Sale, and a Sioux Nation filly at foot. Michael Gaffney additionally noted that Mark Flannery broke the 900,000gns Tattersalls Craven Breeze-up Sale topper.
The swift progression of Senorita Bonita from her auction topping performance to Group Two victory, alongside the rapid sequence of runs for Libertango, highlights the competitive nature and demanding schedule for these young thoroughbreds at the highest level of racing.