Opera Ballo delivered a dazzling front‑running display to secure the bet365 Mile at Sandown, confirming his status as a top‑class performer. The Ghaiyyath colt had already shown great promise, winning four of his first five starts, and although he was outclassed by Zeus Olympios in the Joel Stakes at Newmarket last autumn, he rebounded with two dominant victories in Dubai. Entering the Group Two contest as the third‑most favored at 4‑1, Charlie Appleby’s charge was sent straight to the lead by William Buick, who set a relentless pace that the field could not match. Last season’s Irish Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes winner Field Of Gold, the even‑money favourite seeking redemption after a disappointing finish to his campaign, was forced to come from well off the pace to mount a late challenge.
He managed to secure second place, edging out the previously unbeaten Zeus Olympios in a hard‑fought duel for the place. Neither contender truly threatened Opera Ballo, who won comfortably by three lengths, delivering excellent value for the price.
Appleby explained the tactical decision that led to the victory: "William and I were talking yesterday and there was no clear pace scenario, so we decided to let him do what his sire did – jump out and run. He’s electric out of the gates and Will always says he can gain two or three lengths right from the start." The jockey agreed, noting that the horse’s break was superb and that the track suited a front‑running style. "It was a great ride from Will, and the track allowed us to maintain that lead.
Credit to the horses behind for staying close; once we built that gap, it was a tough ask for anyone to close it," Appleby added. He also praised the horse’s composure at the finish: "I loved the way he eased down after the finish line – he was relaxed and happy, a sign he was in a good place. Some people say he was the fittest horse of the season, but that was back in January.
Perhaps that recent run helped cement his form." Looking ahead, Appleby hinted at the next target: "Our plan has always been to step up to nine furlongs for the Prix d'Ispahan. The Lockinge is also on the agenda, though Notable Speech is currently slated for that race." In other news at Sandown, Roger Varian’s Saddadd produced a remarkable comeback, moving from last to first to claim the bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes.
The four‑year‑old had previously won the London Gold Cup at Newbury and a valuable handicap over the same distance last season, before finishing a close third in the Listed Fountain Stakes at Goodwood. Starting as a 2‑1 contender, Saddadd was guided by Ray Dawson on the outside, overtaking the early leader King Of Cities by a length and three‑quarters, while favourite Almeric trailed in third. Varian praised his charge: "He’s an absolute darling – calm in the paddock, with a brilliant mind.
He reminds me of the best horses I’ve trained, combining talent with intelligence. He performed well last September and, after a tough run at Goodwood, needed the winter to recover.
We gave him a long spell and plenty of training, and now he’s back to his best form." He added that the horse’s future distance would likely stay at ten furlongs for the time being, noting his relaxed running style and maturity. "We love him and dream of a Group One win. The Champion Stakes at Ascot would be ideal, and he’ll handle softer ground as the season progresses. We’ll assess after today’s race and decide whether to aim for the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh or perhaps a step up to a mile and a half in the Hardwicke or Brigadier Gerard.
For now, a mile and a quarter seems the sweet spot." Another standout was Black Star Boy, who delivered a commanding performance in the bet365 Handicap at Sandown. Trained by Ed Walker, the son of Starman had already shown enough ability to contest a Listed race as a two‑year‑old and now, under a 9‑1 shot, he impressed with a powerful finish under jockey Kieran Shoemark.
Walker sees a potential Royal Ascot target in the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes, but the victory may open doors to even higher ambitions. Walker commented: "He’s a fantastic advert for his sire – a true beast with a great temperament. He inherits speed from his dam, so sprinting was always expected, and he’s lived up to that.
He was a bit unruly in the stalls at York, but today he broke cleanly, ran like a train, and Kieran gave him a perfect ride. The Palace of Holyroodhouse was always the plan, but we’ll see what the handicapper decides. He performed well in a Listed race last year, so we might consider a step up to a higher class, perhaps the Sandy Lane at Haydock, depending on the weights." Overall, the meeting at Sandown showcased a mix of established talent and emerging stars, with Opera Ballo confirming his elite status, Saddadd proving his resilience, and Black Star Boy hinting at a promising future.
The trainers and jockeys expressed optimism about upcoming targets, ranging from Group One challenges at Royal Ascot to classic distance tests later in the season. Fans can look forward to further exciting developments as these horses continue to progress through the summer campaign.