Soprano Supreme Gets the Cream

Adding Pearl Series Bonus ($11,500), Soprano Supreme (4 m Contributer - Falsetto, by Zabeel) bolted in winning $12,000 NZB Insurance Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1600 metres on 12 January at Matamata.

Having sustained a strong finish for second to stable-mate Felicienne (Savabeel) when resuming in a Maiden 1400 metres on the course on 23 December, Soprano Supreme received weight relief to 55.5kg, courtesy of Te Akau apprentice Joe Kamaruddin, and was rated a top three chance.

Negating her awkward draw (9) when pushed up outside the leader, she travelled best turning for home, took control at the 250 metres and careered away to win by four and three-quarter lengths.

On footing upgraded to Dead4 before race one, Soprano Supreme ran 1600 metres in 1:35.3, last 600m in 36.5, and drifted in betting to return $3.90 & $1.80 on NZ TAB tote.

“I was really pleased with the way she won and the ride,” said trainer Jamie Richards. “Joe was positive from the gates and the plan was to forward if she jumped well. She's been a slow maturing mare who has needed time but hopefully we're on the right track with her now.

“It was a really fitting result to get the Pearl Series Bonus. We will take her along quietly, look to run her again in about three weeks and probably another run at a mile.”

Purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Syndications for $62,500 at 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from draft of Te Runga Stud, she was from first crop of Champion Australian Middle Distance Horse of the Year Contributer (High Chaparral), dual Group 1 winner of Chipping Norton (Gr. 1, 1600m) and Ranvet Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m).

“We were excited by the stock of Contributer and they looked very good on the sales grounds,” Ellis said. “He was a pretty exciting racehorse himself.

“Her dam (Falsetto) had the quality to finish third in the New Zealand Oaks, and we thought this filly was particularly good buying.”

Dam Falsetto, by legendary stallion Zabeel (Sir Tristram), was an impressive three time winner from 1600m - 2100m.

Accepting on behalf of Fortuna Soprano Supreme Syndicate, manager John Galvin said: “I'd like to thank the Matamata Racing Club. It's always a pleasure to come here. For many years I farmed here at Hinuera, near Matamata, in the '80s and the course was like a second home to me in the good old days.

“It's great to win a Pearl Series Bonus race and thank you to New Zealand Bloodstock for the scheme. You can pay to register for the series after buying at Karaka, and it's very good for the owners.

“Thank you to the owners, many of you being involved in several horses with Fortuna, so congratulations to all.

“Jamie (Richards) has been very patient with this horse. She is continuing to fill out and mature and certainly won very impressively today, taking no prisoners. Hopefully, she's got a few more wins in front of her. It was a great ride by Joe (Kamaruddin). He summed it up really well and that was his seventh win in the last nine days, so well done to him.”

Soprano Supreme carries a pedigree cross of immortal stallion Northern Dancer.

Soprano Supreme was strapped by Rylee Sheehan.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz