The G2 Eight Carat Classic on Boxing Day is the immediately goal for the Graeme and Debbie Rogerson trained filly Soriano (NZ).

The Ellerslie Classic is next on hre agenda after a lead-up victory in the G3 Eulogy Stakes at Awapuni on Saturday.  “On her form, we were pretty confident,” Debbie Rogerson said.  “She really deserved that after taking on the best and racing well without a lot of luck.”

Soriano (3f Savabeel – Call Me Lily by Just A Dancer) won on debut at Te Rapa in February and since then had finished fourth in the G1 Diamond Stakes, fourth in the G2 Wellington Guineas, a strong-finishing sixth in the G1 NZB 1000 Guineas and a last-to-third placing in the G1 Levin Classic.

Rogerson also confirmed the Savabeel filly will be set for the New Zealand Oaks.

Soriano proved her versatility at Awapuni where she broke well from her handy barrier to sit up with the leader.  Rider Lisa Allpress made a decisive move early in the run home to kick clear and the pair had plenty in reserve to coast home by a length and a half.

Emerald Queen (O’Reilly) ran on bravely in the straight to finish second ahead of Lovetessa (O’Reilly) who also made good ground to take third money off Ray’s Girl (Savabeel).

Soriano is raced by owner-breeder Denise Howell and has the pedigree to star over the longer distances.  Her dam Call Me Lily (NZ) is by NZ bred 3200 metre winner Just A Dancer (Star Way).