Impressive New G3 Winner for Starspangledbanner
Closely related to Choisir’s triple US Group I winner Obviously, progressive filly Soprano (3f Starspangledbanner x Lealas Daughter, by Excelebration) became a new stakes-winner for her sire when taking out the Group III Prix de Lieurey – Fonds Europeen de ’Elevage (600m) at Deauville in France.
Trained by George Boughey and ridden by William Buick, Soprano won the handicap Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot and was then competitive in her last two starts in Black Type company, but soared to new heights with this success.
Ridden closer than her usual pattern, she powered clear for Buick to win by three lengths and has the overall record three wins and six placings from 12 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 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 the 43rd stakes-winner for Starspangledbanner, who is back in Australia this spring at a fee of $44,000.