Queen Elinor Comes from the Back to Score an Impressive Victory in the Francisco J. Beazley

The filly from Stud Chúcaros, coming off defeats to Charm and Moon Frank, showed that she performs even better over longer distances

Queen Elinor charged strongly in the stretch to secure her best victory yet / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Races at longer distances seem tailor-made for Queen Elinor, the filly who made a strong statement on Saturday at the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, capturing the Clásico Francisco J. Beazley (G2) over 1,800 meters on the dirt, a key prep for the Gran Premio Selección (G1), the Oaks, at 2,000 meters.

For the Señor Candy filly, cruising is her specialty, and she made it clear, coming from last to unleash a strong finish and prevail by three-quarters of a length over the brave Doña Lucila (Equal Talent), who had set the pace for most of the race.

Patient and fully aware of her mount, jockey Adrián Giannetti allowed Queen Elinor to settle comfortably at the back, gradually making her move around the turn.

Up front, Rosa Eterna (Long Island Sound) took charge, pressed most of the way by another rival, posting fractions of 25.97, 50.15, and 1:14.24, entering the stretch along the inside with momentum.

Doña Lucila advanced on the outside, engaging in the duel, while the winner had already angled through the center. Both battled through much of the stretch, but in the final furlong, Queen Elinor, a pupil of Luis A. Sánchez, pulled away decisively, finishing in 1:50.61—a time not overly impressive on a surface that wasn’t particularly fast.

Rosa Eterna held on for a valuable third, 2½ lengths back, with Embrace It (Daddy Long Legs) another 1½ lengths behind.

Bred by Haras Rodeo Chico, and from the emblematic Umbella (Umberto) family, Queen Elinor returned to the winner’s circle after runner-up finishes in the Estrellas Juvenile Fillies (G1) and General Luis María Campos (G2)behind Charm (Strategos) and Moon Frank (Gidu), the top fillies of her generation—both of whom she will look to avenge in the Selección. With 2,000 meters ahead, she promises to be a formidable contender.