The Group 2 Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket on Friday brings together a fascinating mix of proven Royal Ascot form and exciting unexposed fillies, with Albany Stakes heroine Libertango looking to cement her position among the leading juveniles of the season.

George Boughey’s daughter of No Nay Never arrives with the strongest form on offer after producing a powerful finishing effort to land the Albany Stakes over six furlongs at Royal Ascot. That victory has already received a significant boost, with the runner-up subsequently winning at Group 2 level, strengthening the view that Libertango set a high standard at Ascot. Proven at the trip, effective on fast ground and still open to improvement after only two career starts, she sets the benchmark.

Her chief rival could be Senorita Bonita, who was an excellent second in the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes. The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained filly showed plenty of speed over five furlongs at Ascot and shapes as though this step up to six furlongs will unlock further progress. With Oisin Murphy aboard and a pedigree suggesting stamina will not be an issue, she looks a major threat to the favourite.

While the market is dominated by those two Royal Ascot performers, several lightly raced fillies have the potential to bridge the gap. Etonnante, trained by Karl Burke, made a striking impression when winning on debut at Ripon and was deliberately kept away from the Royal Ascot frenzy. Burke has an outstanding record with juvenile fillies and has won this race twice in recent years. The daughter of Havana Grey remains one of the most intriguing runners in the field.

Irish challenger Alwaysanangel arrives unbeaten after an impressive debut success at Fairyhouse. Although she faces a dramatic rise in class, Joseph O’Brien’s youngsters often improve significantly with experience, and her easy victory suggested there could be considerably more to come.

Another filly attracting attention is Ruby Moon, who won her Carlisle debut in taking fashion and now gains the services of Ryan Moore. Her form falls short of the principals at present, but she possesses the profile of a runner capable of making substantial progress.

Of the remainder, Jolivette has already shown ability by winning at Newmarket before failing to settle in the Albany Stakes, while Troublesome Guest and Acclamation Star need marked improvement on their Royal Ascot efforts to trouble the principals.

From a tactical perspective, the race appears likely to be run at an honest pace. Jolivette and Troublesome Guest are expected to ensure a solid gallop, which should suit the stronger finishers in the field. That scenario looks particularly favourable for Libertango and Senorita Bonita, both of whom have already demonstrated the ability to finish their races strongly in large-field Group company.

The Duchess of Cambridge Stakes often identifies future Group 1 performers, and this year’s renewal has the feel of a race containing several fillies with genuine top-level aspirations. Libertango’s Ascot victory makes her the one to beat, but Senorita Bonita’s expected improvement over six furlongs and the untapped potential of Etonnante ensure she will not have matters all her own way.

Selection

1. Libertango
2. Senorita Bonita
3. Etonnante

Best Value Bet

Senorita Bonita

One to Watch

Etonnante

The favourite sets a lofty standard, but this promises to be one of the most informative juvenile fillies’ contests of the summer.