Andy Newton

Girl Power: Who Will Come Out On Top In ‘Must-See’ Newmarket Cheveley Park Showdown?

by
Andy Newton
21 September 2026

The autumn Flat season reaches fever pitch this Saturday at Newmarket as the premier six-furlong sprint for juvenile fillies-the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes-presents one of the most mouth-watering clashes of the year.

Titans Collide: Three-Way Showdown Headlines 2026 Cheveley Park Stakes

At the centre of attention is a rare three-way match-up between the season’s top 2-year-old fillies, each arriving on the back of a signature victory on the biggest stages across Britain, Ireland, and France.

Leading the charge is Sun Goddess, the standout juvenile from Ballydoyle who arrives seeking her fifth consecutive victory.

Having put her class on full display last time out with a brilliant performance in the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh, she standard-sets on current form.

However, her credentials will be put to the ultimate test against two top-class rivals:

• Senorita Bonita: The Simon & Ed Crisford challenger who proved her blistering speed against the boys when capturing the Group 1 Prix Morny at Deauville last time out.

And earlier this season finished 2nd in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot and beat Libertango into second in the Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket in July.

• Libertango: The impressive winner of the Group 2 Lowther Stakes at York, whose explosive turn of foot makes her a massive threat on the straight six at Headquarters.

Having also beaten Sun Goddess in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot in June too.

Aidan O’Brien’s Cheveley Park Stakes Dominance

Aidan O’Brien already holds the record as the most successful trainer in the history of the Cheveley Park Stakes.

His dominance in the six-furlong autumn showpiece includes six victories, with his first Brave Anna in 2016 and most recent True Love in 2025.

Aidan O’Brien’s Winners

Brave Anna (2016)
Clemmie (2017)
Fairyland (2018)
Tenebrism (2021)
Lake Victoria (2024)
True Love (2025)

If Sun Goddess keeps her winning streak intact on Saturday, O’Brien will capture his seventh Cheveley Park Stakes victory, further cementing his dominance over the division.

Cheveley Park Stakes Race Details

Date: Saturday, 26th September 2026
Scheduled Time: 2:27pm BST
Track & Distance: Newmarket (Rowley Mile), 6 Furlongs
Total Purse: £275,000 (1st Prize: £155,953)

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Cheveley Park Stakes Betting Odds

Sun Goddess 6/4
Senorita Bonita 7/4
Libertango 7/2
Alwaysanangel 12/1
Star Of State 14/1
Moonrise 20/1
66/1 bar

Note: Cheveley Park Stakes odds are subject to change

Last 5 Cheveley Park Winners

2025 True Love – Aidan O’Brien/Wayne Lordan
2024 Lake Victoria – Aidan O’Brien/Ryan Moore
2023 Porta Fortuna – Donnacha O’Brien/Oisin Murphy
2022 Lezoo – Ralph Beckett/William Buick
2021 Tenebrism – Aidan O’Brien/Ryan Moore

A Gateway to Classic Glory: The 1000 Guineas Connection

Beyond autumn glory, the Cheveley Park Stakes acts as a premier barometer for the following spring’s 1000 Guineas back over Newmarket’s Rowley Mile.

Historically, stars such as Pretty Polly, Salsabil, and Special Duty achieved the famed Cheveley Park / 1000 Guineas double.

Most recently, Ballydoyle’s True Love completed the double by winning the Cheveley Park Stakes in autumn 2025 before returning to Newmarket in May 2026 to capture the 1000 Guineas.

Should Sun Goddess, Senorita Bonita, or Libertango reign supreme on Saturday, they will instantly assume favoritism heading into winter prep for the 2027 Classics.