Starspangledbanner Filly Hits High Notes In Sandringham

Soprano (3f Starspangledbanner – Lealas Daughter, by Excelebration) showed her class when capturing the Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot for George Boughey, Highclere Thoroughbred Racing and Billy Loughnane.

The daughter of Starspangledbanner was a talented juvenile, with her four Stakes placings including thirds behind Porta Fortuna in the Group 3 Albany Stakes and behind Fallen Angel in the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes. An eyecatching third in a Listed race last time out, she came into Friday’s contest off a rating of 100 and was given a customary hold-up ride by her young jockey. Making headway approaching the final furlong, she was ridden soon after and quickened to lead inside the final 110 yards. She kept on to score by half a length, with another half a length back to Uluru (Zoffany) in third.

“Saying that this filly has been unlucky wouldn't quite quantify it,” said the winning trainer. “She's been a filly we've always held in really high regard. She's coming of age now, just like her jockey.”

Soprano looked a Stakes winner in waiting before Ascot and now undeniably so, with previous winners of the Sandringham including Group/Grade 1 performers Con Te Partiro (Scat Daddy), Heredia, Persuasive and Osaila (Danehill Dancer).

The Starspangledbanner filly is the first foal bred by Empire Bloodstock out of Lealas Daughter, herself a half-sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Obviously (Choisir).