Billy Loughnane will bid for a breakthrough top-level success aboard Matron Stakes (G1) third Soprano within the Queen Elizabeth II Problem Cup Stakes (G1T) Oct. 12 at Keeneland.
The Highclere-owned Soprano, skilled by George Boughey, gained a handicap below Loughnane at Royal Ascot in June and gained a primary group win within the Prix de Lieurey (G3) at Deauville later in the summertime.
Soprano was overwhelmed a 1 1/2 lengths by Porta Fortuna within the Matron and is the only real British-trained runner within the Keeneland grade 1 price $750,000. Francis Graffard runs the French-based Candala , winner of the Prix de la Grotte (G3) and twice group 2-placed.
Harry Herbert, managing director of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, stated: “(Soprano) is out in America and we could not be happier along with her—she seems completely unbelievable.
“It is a useful race and one which has been on the agenda for some time. She ran so nicely in a really aggressive Matron and deserves to take her likelihood on this.
“She has a pleasant draw (publish 5) and Billy, who is aware of her very nicely, will likely be on board. She’s improved all over the 12 months and we’ll hold her in coaching subsequent season.”
Loughnane, who was Britain’s champion apprentice final 12 months and has ridden 269 home winners since his first mount in October 2022, additionally companions the William Knight-trained Frost At Daybreak within the Franklin Stakes (G2T) Oct. 13. Her rivals embrace Pandora’s Reward , Star of Thriller for Charlie Appleby, and American a number of graded winner Roses for Debra .
