Starspangledbanner Filly Draws Clear In Deauville Group 3

Soprano (3f Starspangledbanner– Lealas Daughter, by Excelebration) gained a deserved first Stakes success when running out a smart winner of the Group 3 Prix de Lieurey at Deauville.

The George Boughey-trained filly gained multiple Stakes placings as a juvenile, including when third to Porta Fortuna in the Albany Stakes, and proved as good as ever this season when landing the Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot. The British raider faced 11 rivals on Thursday and raced prominently throughout the mile contest under William Buick. Pushed to challenge two furlongs from home, she led soon after and kept on strongly to beat Group 1 filly Rose Bloom by three lengths.

A step up to Group 1 level may be next on the cards for Soprano, who holds an entry in the Matron Stakes next month. Owned by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, the daughter of Starspangledbanner was bred by Empire Bloodstock out of a half-sister to Obviously (Choisir).

That evening at Chelmsford, Gold Star Hero (2c Starspangledbanner – Hightime Heroine, by Danetime) became their sire’s latest winner when making all in the six furlong novice stakes.

A debut fourth last month, Michael Bell’s representative kept on well approaching the final furlong to score by a head under Hector Crouch. Gold Star Hero is owned by Middleham Park Racing, who along with Bell, won two races with his full-brother before being sold to Hong Kong. The pair were bred by T Stack.