Soho Americano holds on for Raith Memorial success

Speedy harness racing filly Soho Americano (American Ideal) showed a touch of class when she led all the way to take out the $50,000 Group 3 Ultra Air JL Raith Memorial at Menangle Park last night.

Soho Americano had to do a bit of work early to get past Sugar Pie Honey. Star Queensland filly Cool and Classy who ended up favourite moved up to race outside the leader from the 850 metre mark.

SOHO AMERICANO MAR 8 REPLAY JL RAITH MEMORIAL

Gunna Reload who was out three wide for the early part of the race was able to secure a one out and one back trail with Sugar Pie Honey having the sit behind leader.

Cool and Classy issued a strong challenge to Soho Americano but the latter showed great fight to hold on for a one and half metre win with Sugar Pie Honey holding on for third.

Soho Americano had put the writing on the wall when she scored at Menangle on Feb 25 where she ran a fast 1.51.9 over the mile. Last night she was a touch faster with a mile rate of 1.51.3 but her final quarter of 26.9 seconds stamps her as a filly well above average.

Stanley was pleased with the filly’s success.

“I’ve always liked her from Day 1. We pushed her a bit hard earlier but towards the end of last season she ran some cracking races. Like true American Ideals they get better as they get older.”

“She was 4^th or 5^th up this time I brought her up last time and she was under done last year. I wanted to give her a solid base this time.”

“She’s gone from being a speedy filly but showed a bit of toughness. It was a good win tonight.”

“I’m really rapt that she has developed. They need versatility to win a big race.”

“She’s in the Bathurst Series and as the NSW Oaks is not far after, she’ll stay around in New South Wales for these races.”

Cool and Classy was a game performance and she will be much improved by the effort while both Sugar Pie Honey and Gunna Reload ran strong races. It augurs well for the forthcoming fillies classics that there is an even group where there will be some interesting clashes.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink