Libertango looking to further advertise Classic credentials

Libertango will seek to underline her Classic potential in the Group Two Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket on Friday, despite trainer George Boughey warning that, for now, pace remains her superpower.

The No Nay Never filly was made second-favourite for next year’s 1000 Guineas after running out an impressive winner of the Albany Stakes over six furlongs at Royal Ascot, beating highly-touted Ballydoyle contender Sun Goddess by a length.

And while Boughey believes she deserves to be in those sorts of conversations – particularly after Sun Goddess boosted the form winning a Group Two at the Curragh – he insisted pace is her most potent weapon at the moment.

“That race at the Curragh is usually a strong race and Aidan often wins that race in Ireland, but it is always nice when you see that happen,” said Boughey.  “In addition there has been a number of maiden winners and nursery winners come out of the Albany already.

“It looked a strong race going into it, but her work had been good beforehand so we were not surprised either by the win (or quotes for the Guineas) after the race,” he said.

“She has a lot of options open to her going forward and she has a pedigree that suggests she might get a bit further, but she is showing a lot of pace at the moment. We will see where we go in future, but we are delighted with her form coming into this.”

Libertango sticks to six furlongs for the Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes (sponsored By Ultimate Provence) but Senorita Bonita, her main rival according to the market, steps up from five furlongs.

Simon and Ed Crisford’s filly, owned by Victorious Forever, was two lengths behind another Ballydoyle filly in Victorious over the minimum trip in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot.

But connections feel the extra furlong will bring significant improvement at Newmarket, with the owners’ representative Chris Wall admitting it had been a close call which race to aim at last month.

“It was six and two threes whether we went for the Albany or the Queen Mary, but we thought the Queen Mary on paper looked the slightly easier contest, although I’m not sure that was the case,” said Wall.

“But we are looking forward to stepping her up to six as the pedigree suggests that is within her compass and we feel the extra distance will suit her better.

“Obviously we have got a very good filly in Libertango to try to beat, but we will know where we stand with her after and we are hopeful of a good run. Then we can make a plan for her from there.”

The market suggests the race is a two-horse race but Joseph O’Brien’s impressive Fairyhouse scorer Alwaysanangel, Karl Burke’s Ripon winner Etonnante and Richard and Peter Fahey’s Carlisle scorer Ruby Moon all bring unbeaten once-raced records to the table.

Juddmonte’s Jolivette was well beaten by Libertango at Ascot but is seeking to get back on track after winning on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile course in May. Acclamation Star (James Owen) and Troublesome Guest (George Margarson) complete the eight-strong line-up.