Soprano Targets First Group One Victory at Keeneland

Royal Ascot winner Soprano is set to chase her first top-level victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland.

Trained by George Boughey, the daughter of Starspangledbanner triumphed in the Sandringham at Royal Ascot in June, ridden by rising star Billy Loughnane, who will again take the reins for Saturday's race. 

Soprano has continued to show improvement, securing a Group Three win in France in August and delivering a career-best performance in the Matron Stakes, finishing just a length and a half behind the exceptional Porta Fortuna.

The nine-furlong Grade One contest at Keeneland, boasting a $750,000 purse, was won last year by Saeed bin Suroor’s Mawj. 

"She’s in the States and ready for Queen Elizabeth at Keeneland on Saturday," said Harry Herbert of owners Highclere Thoroughbred.

"She’s in good form and still on the rise. We plan to race her on as a four-year-old. She’s getting better with each race, and her mind is in the right place. After a strong race in Ireland, I believe she’ll have a great chance."

"With a bit of luck in running, if she can find her rhythm, I think she has a real shot at becoming a Group One winner."