Closely related to Choisir’s triple US Group I winner Obviously, four year-old Starspangledbanner mare Soprano ended her season last year in North America where she placed in the Group I Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland and she made a winning return overnight in the UK.
Trained by George Boughey and ridden by William Buick, Soprano was sent out favourite for the Listed Snowdrop Fillies Stakes (1m) on the all weather track at Kempton and got the job done for punters in a thriller.
She kicked away and looked set for an easy win, but was challenged late by Crimson Advocate to win by a nose taking her overall record to four wins from 16 starts.
Soprano runs for Highclere Racing and was a 100,000 guinea purchase for them from Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 2 after first being sold at the Goffs November Foal Sale for €45,000.
“She has proven she's a Group 1 filly and George was keen to come here. William [Buick] said she's too gassy and fresh, but she gave him a terrific feel. When he asked her to put the race to bed, despite running so free, she really kicked and I think that's what we want to take out of this,” said Harry Herbert, managing director of Highclere Racing.
“Royal Ascot is so important to all of us, so definitely that will be the plan and I think all races lead there.”
She is the first winner for unraced Excelebration mare Lealas Daughter, a half-sister to outstanding Choisir’s sprinter miler Obviously , who won 13 races three of them Group I including the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint.
Soprano is one of 49 stakes-winners for Starspangledbanner, who was back in Australia last spring for Coolmore and covered 74 mares.
