3 minute read
Soprano will be looking for an elusive Group victory by the end of the season, with entries in the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes and Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes.
The George Boughey-trained filly has been consistent throughout the year, placing third in the Group 3 Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot and second behind subsequent Moyglare Stud Stakes winner Fallen Angel in the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket's July course.
The daughter of Starspangledbanner started favourite for the Group 3 Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes at Salisbury in early September, but reared as the stalls opened. Although she made up ground in the closing stages to snatch third behind Juniper Berries, it appeared to be a lost opportunity.
"It was just really unfortunate and such a shame," said Highclere Thoroughbred's managing director Harry Herbert.
"She seemed to anticipate the gates and they didn't open and she sort of got a bit of a fright, went up and then the starter let them go which was infuriating.
"Ryan probably thought he was just going to come home in his own time and then suddenly realised he had an awful lot of horse under him, so it was a hell of a performance under the circumstances.
"I think everyone can see she would have won if she had broken on level terms.
"We're looking at either the Cheveley Park or Rockfel and I think we'll see the entries for both first.
"At the moment, if you were talking to George [Boughey], he would probably be edging more to the Cheveley Park. But we want to take our time and see who is doing what and the ground and everything.
"Fingers crossed she is taking her races so well and she's so tough and as long as George is happy, we will go to Newmarket for one of those two races."
"She's a very very good filly and very special," added Herbert.
"She's had the most extraordinary year where things just haven't gone right for her. She could have had a few Group races by her name, but that's racing and sometimes the cards don't fall quite right for whatever reason.
"Everyone can see how talented she is and she has a size and scope to her so should be even better next year."
Soprano is currently available at 14/1 for the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes on 30 September.
