just held off the fast-finishing Crimson Advocate in a thrilling finish to the Virgin Bet
Fillies’ Stakes at Kempton.
A Royal Ascot winner for George Boughey and owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing last season, she was also struck gold at Deauville last term and finished 2024 placing in both the Matron Stakes and in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Keeneland before unsuccessful Breeders’ Cup outing.
Returned to her preferred mile distance for her reappearance in this Listed event, she was sent off the 2-1 favourite and took her customary position towards the head of affairs in the hands of
.
Having led the field into the home straight and beaten off the challenge of Ollie Sangster’s reappearing second favourite Shuwari amongst others, victory was within sight for
before the eye was drawn to John and Thady Gosden’s Crimson Advocate thundering home under Robert Havlin.
Another who won at Royal Ascot previously, the 2023 Queen Mary Stakes victor showed no issue with the enterprising move up to a mile and with Soprano’s advantage diminishing with every stride, the judge was needed to separate the pair, with
awarded a nose verdict.