Great Fight Shows Grit in the Alvear for First Major Victory for Kevin Banegas and Las Monjitas

The full sister to Derby winner Great Escape edged out Mi Confesión at the wire to score and begin dreaming of the Acebal Stakes

Great Fight Never Lost Hope and Reached the Target/ JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The partnership between jockey Kevin Banegas and Stud Las Monjitas could not have had a better start: a double on Saturday at Hipódromo de San Isidro, highlighted by a dream victory in the Clásico Federico de Alvear (G2, 1 1/8 miles, heavy turf) with Great Fight, a filly full of promise.

The debut together came under accelerated circumstances, as an accident involving Francisco Leandro a few days earlier forced the contract between Banegas and the Camilo Bautista-owned colors to take effect sooner than planned. The original intention had been to begin the partnership once the Brazilian headed to Dubai for the 2025/2026 season.

The pair opened their account with a win from debuting Tarsinio (Hi Happy), and shortly after, Great Fight, by Equal Stripes, displayed admirable tenacity to edge out the brave Mi Confesión (Suggestive Boy)—the betting favorite who led for 1,798 meters—right at the wire.

It was a high-voltage finish over a difficult course, with Banegas never giving up aboard the Carlos D. Etchechoury-trained filly, presented by Daniel A. Bordón. He struck decisively in the final stages just when it seemed nothing would change.

A prep for the Gran Premio Enrique Acebal (G1), the Alvear ran at a solid pace, with Mi Confesión setting fractions of 27.12, 52.59, and 1:17.78, factoring in the heavy going and temporary rails. Doña Vainilla (Il Campione) pressed for a time but eventually faded to last, while Banegas kept Great Fight in a perfect stalking position. Entering the stretch, the leader opened about three lengths, a seemingly insurmountable advantage.

But Great Fight lived up to her name, grinding every step of the way with her low, even stride, typical of stamina-inclined SPCs. The result was a head victory over Mi Confesión, who ran gamely despite defeat, covering 1:55.39. Carmensita (Treasure Beach) held on for third, six lengths back, securing black-type, with the rest trailing without impact.

Coming off a clear loss to Catys Queen (Lizard Island) in the Clásico Marina Lezcano, Great Fight will likely seek revenge when she faces that rival again in the Acebal, where Mi Confesión could also return.

Bred by Haras Abolengo, the winner is a full sister to Derby winner Great Escape, whose promising career in the U.S. was cut short. Her pedigree blends top Argentine breeding, tracing to Haras Ojo de Agua and a line further developed at La Biznaga. Recent G1 performers such as Forty Greeta (Roar), Greco Tom (Shy Tom), Impression (Rubiano), Giuliet Seattle (Seattle Fitz), and Giulie Halo (Southern Halo) exemplify the strength of this lineage, which also includes notable names like Gioconda (Good Manners) and Farnesio (Good Manners).

Great Fight claimed the Alvear in style, delivering Banegas and Las Monjitas their first big victory together and setting her sights on a G1 target. A flawless afternoon, without a doubt.