Soriano tipped to add to top record

The irrepressible Graeme Rogerson believes his quality Savabeel mare Soriano can further her Group One record in the coming 12 months. The stars finally came into line at Ellerslie on Boxing Day for the five-year-old to break through at the highest level in the Zabeel Classic and the Tuhikaramea trainer said she’s not finished yet.

“She deserves this and it’s just great for the whole team. She’s a great mare and she’s by a great stallion. She’s very valuable and when she goes to stud it will hopefully be after she wins the Triple Crown at Hastings next year.”

Owned by her breeder and long-time Rogerson employee Denise Howell, Soriano had four previous Group One placings to her credit. “Denise raced the mother and the grand-mother so it’s just fantastic,” said Rogerson, who prepares the mare with his wife Debbie. “Everything went to plan.”

Stable apprentice and regular partner Rory Hutchings also opened his Group One account with a cool ride to get Soriano home at the expense of Weregoingtogetcha, Pondarosa Miss and Graphic. “It’s the biggest moment of my career and it couldn’t have worked out any better,” Hutchings said. “Graeme and Debbie have done a great job with this mare and Denise Howell has been like a second mother to me.”

Soriano settled at the tail of the field and the breaks went Hutchings’ way in the straight when the field fanned out. “She jumped and struggled for early speed and we ended up at the back,” he said. “Once I came out she really flew. I was praying for a bit of luck and finally it went our way.”