The first racing experience for Sopraffina (High Chaparral x Sopra Tutto) went in her favour on Friday, winning the $7,000 Atkinson & Donaldson Plumbing 1560(m) at Rotorua.

From the stable of Steven Ramsay and Julia Ritchie, Sopraffina ran in the first of three trials in September and won her most recent trial a little over two weeks ago over 1400m at Rotorua.

“Sam Collett gave her a nice run just in behind the speed,” commented Ramsay. “She showed good tenacity as she pushed her way out, put her head down and was very strong to the line.

“On her breeding, I think she will get up over further being a High Chaparral out of a daughter to Ethereal - going a bit further isn’t going to worry her.”

Jumping from barrier 1, Sopraffina raced ahead to keep up with the initial leaders with Samantha Collett riding. Racing through on the inside with Zeus (NZ) (Red Giant) travelling alongside, the High Chaparral filly trailed the pace-maker Bay Rocker (NZ) (Don Eduardo).

Searching for a gap as the field turned towards the home straight, Sopraffina pushed through to take on Naughty Knuckles (NZ) (El Hermando), who had raced into the lead. The final 100 metres saw the white and blue silks sweep to the lead to win by three-quarters-of-a-length over Douro (Flying Spur), who ranged up for second place, and Naughty Knuckles settled in third position.

“She is improving all the time and we will go to a Rating 65 race with her next and then just assess her from there whether we turn her out or give her one more run, however, she will be better with a bit more time as all the High Chaparral’s are,” said Ramsay.

With one start for one win, the three-year-old filly earned $4,375 for her owner Sir Peter Vela who bred her with Philip Vela.

The daughter of champion sire, High Chaparral, is out of unraced mare Sopra Tutto (Van Nistelrooy), who is a half-sister to placegetters at stakes level, Duquesa (Encosta de Lago) and Uberalles (Giant’s Causeway)..

Sopraffina’s granddam is Ethereal (Rhythm), a champion stayer in Australia and New Zealand in 2001-02 with four Group 1 wins including the BMW Stakes, Melbourne Cup, Queensland Oaks and the Caulfield Cup.

Sopra Tutto foaled a filly in 2014, sired by New Zealand’s leading stallion Savabeel.