Bonita Johana, an undefeated Argentine filly gaining ground on the Maroñas turf

The mare from Stud Haras Cuatro Cabezas caused a stir by winning the Clásico Carlos Sáenz Zumarán y R. Zumarán Arocena

Bonita Johana never let them catch her / MAROÑAS

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (Special for Turf Diario).— Hardly a few weeks go by without good news arriving regarding the performance of Argentine horses at the historic setting of the Hipódromo Nacional de Maroñas.

Just a few days ago, Martana (Fortify) caused a stir in the Gran Premio Ciudad de Montevideo (G1), winning by several lengths; last Sunday, another "albiceleste" mare made headlines on this side of the River, this time on the turf.

The positive news was thanks to the filly Bonita Johana, who maintained her undefeated record with a superb performance in the Clásico Carlos Sáenz de Zumarán y R. Zumarán Arocena (1,500m, normal turf), the featured race of last Sunday's program.

The daughter of John F Kennedy and Bonita Stripes (Equal Stripes) had been convincing in her three previous efforts, but she was facing a strong, experienced, and difficult field. However, none of that was an issue for her class, and she ended up reaching the wire once again—the best win of her career so far.

With Diogo González in the irons, and under the effective training of Facundo Santisteban, Bonita Johana went straight to the front, like a good one, showing speed all the way. Setting fractions of 23s6/100 and 46s27/100, the chestnut hit the stretch with momentum and never slackened her pace.

Sapacara (Will Take Charge) chased her from early on and could never make up a single inch. And, when the heavy favorite Dua Lipa (Can the Man) went after her in the homestretch, Bonita Johana's response was perfect, controlling the challenge and defeating her by 1 1/4 lengths in a final time of 1m28s25/100, following a split for the 1,200 meters of 1m9s73/100.

Federico González, owner of Bonita Johana, later told Maroñas TV: "We are very happy. She remains undefeated, and we knew it was going to be a difficult race in a different category, but she handled the 'trial by fire' well. Ever since we saw the entries, we knew we had a tough challenge, but one that had to be faced. This is important for the present and also thinking about the future when she becomes a broodmare for Cuatro Cabezas."

Bonita Johana gave a powerful display of character and ability, enough to suggest a future even better than this perfect present.