Senorita Bonita stamped herself among Europe’s top juveniles with a commanding four‑length victory in the Prix Morny (G1) at Deauville on Aug. 23, and her handlers have confirmed a likely next target at Newmarket in late September for the Cheveley Park Stakes (G1).
Big win in Deauville sets up elite autumn clash
Coming into the race as a physically imposing filly, Senorita Bonita showed a turn of acceleration that left her rivals behind and provided her training team with a compelling option for the autumn calendar. The daughter of Starspangledbanner carried that speed to the line to claim the Prix Morny by four lengths, prompting public talk from her camp about the prospect of stepping up in distance and taking on further Group 1 company at Newmarket.
Joint‑trainer Simon Crisford said he hopes the filly will have a strong 3‑year‑old campaign, and flagged the Cheveley Park as a likely next race. He also suggested she could be tried over a mile next year, noting the mare’s breeding: that she is out of a mare by Ruler Of The World and therefore comes from a staying family.
“She's a lovely filly and I'm hoping she can have a really good 3‑year‑old campaign as well,” Crisford said, adding that “we're going to face Sun Goddess and Libertango and that will be one of the highlights of the autumn season.”
Rider Oisin Murphy echoed admiration for her raw speed, describing her “explosive acceleration,” while expressing a degree of uncertainty about how well she might extend to a mile at this stage.
- Race: Prix Morny (G1), Deauville — Senorita Bonita won by four lengths.
- Likely next target: Cheveley Park Stakes (G1) at Newmarket in late September.
- Key rivals expected: Libertango (Lowther Stakes G2 winner) and Sun Goddess.
What this means for Newmarket and the Cheveley Park
For followers of the Newmarket racing season, the potential arrival of Senorita Bonita adds further intrigue to an already hot contest. The Cheveley Park has a reputation as a high‑class juvenile contest and a springboard for fillies who go on to significant three‑year‑old campaigns. With two other leading juveniles — Libertango and Sun Goddess — reportedly set to meet again, the race shapes up as a notable highlight of the autumn programme at the Rowley Mile.
The connections’ plan signals confidence in Senorita Bonita’s class and versatility. Crisford’s comment about the filly’s breeding suggests that, while presently showing sharp sprinting traits, her team is leaving open the possibility of stretching her out as she matures.
| Horse | Notable recent performance | Potential next race |
|---|---|---|
| Senorita Bonita | Won Prix Morny (G1) by 4 lengths | Cheveley Park Stakes (G1), Newmarket |
| Libertango | Lowther Stakes (G2) winner | Cheveley Park Stakes (G1), Newmarket |
| Sun Goddess | Top juvenile form (fast runner) | Cheveley Park Stakes (G1), Newmarket |
Newmarket’s autumn meeting will be an early test of formlines that could define the spring and summer campaigns to come. For racing fans who follow the sport locally or internationally, the prospect of a rematch among the season’s leading juveniles gives the Cheveley Park added significance.
While immediate plans point to the Cheveley Park as the next destination, the connections have also discussed longer‑term ambitions. Crisford indicated a willingness to explore a mile next year, in part because of the filly’s pedigree; Murphy, while impressed by her speed, remained non‑committal on her stamina for that trip at this stage.
The combination of a dominant Group 1 juvenile performance and a high‑profile target at Newmarket makes Senorita Bonita a filly to watch as racing moves into the autumn—both for the quality of the Cheveley Park field and for the longer‑term shape of her career.
