By Tom Frary
Ten Years on from the G1 Prix de l'Opera victory of her half-sister We Are (Ire) (Dansili {GB}), George Strawbridge's Friendly Soul (GB) (Kingman {GB}–In Clover {GB}, by Inchinor {GB}) stepped up to emulate her feat in ParisLongchamp's Longines-sponsored contest on Sunday. Brought through the educative stepping stones of Ascot's G3 Valiant Stakes and Deauville's G2 Prix Alec Head by John and Thady Gosden, the 9-1 shot tracked the early leader in second travelling sweetly.
Committed by Kieran Shoemark two out, the 3-year-old responded generously to assert her superiority and comfortably contain the threat of her stablemate Running Lion (GB) (Roaring Lion) to win by 3/4 of a length. The G1 Prix de Diane heroine Sparkling Plenty (Fr) (Kingman {GB}) was the same margin away in third.
Three on the bounce! Friendly Soul wins the the Group 1 Prix de l'Opera Longines at @paris_longchamp in the hands of @KShoemark! #WinAndYoureIn pic.twitter.com/MUkwNIjkan
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 6, 2024
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