Billy Loughnane relishing Soprano Breeders’ Cup opportunity
Essential Quality, 37th Breeders Cup World Championship, Keeneland Race Track, 2020
Billy Loughnane believes Soprano’s recent American outing should have her primed for the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar.
The three-year-old has been a star performer for Loughnane this term, winning the Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot for the young rider and finishing a creditable third in the Group One Matron Stakes on her penultimate run.
Trainer George Boughey then opted to send Soprano for the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes at Keeneland and while she ultimately proved no match for the six-length winner She Feels Pretty, Loughnane felt the experience will help his filly.
He said: “I’m looking forward to getting out there, she’s in good shape so we’ll keep our fingers crossed.
“Soprano has been a star for us this season, so consistent.
“She ran very well out there in the QEII which will hopefully set her in good stead.”
Loughnane will be making his Breeders’ Cup debut aboard the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing-owned Soprano and would relish any further opportunities at the high-profile fixture, should they come his way.
He added: “I’m not sure if I’ve got anything else confirmed as yet.”
