Opera Ballo put on a spectacular show with a brilliant front-running performance, securing the bet365 Mile at Sandown. The Ghaiyyath colt, who had previously shown immense promise by winning four of his first five starts, was no match for Zeus Olympios in the Joel Stakes at Newmarket.
However, he bounced back with two resounding victories in Dubai. Sent straight to the lead by William Buick, Charlie Appleby's charge dictated the pace throughout.
Field Of Gold, last year's Irish Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes winner and the even-money favourite, mounted a challenge from a long way back but was unable to catch Opera Ballo, who won by a margin of three lengths. Appleby attributed the decision to make all to the lack of a pace angle, saying, 'William and I were chatting away yesterday and there wasn't a pace angle declared, so we said let him do what his father did and jump and run.' He praised William Buick's ride, stating, 'It was a great ride from Will there and a track you could do that on.' Appleby plans to step Opera Ballo up to nine furlongs for the Prix d'Ispahan, saying, 'Our plan was always to step back up to nine furlongs for the Prix d'Ispahan. I would imagine that's where we will go.' Meanwhile, Roger Varian's Saddadd came from last to first to claim top honours in the bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes, opening up exciting options. Varian said, 'He's an absolute darling of a horse and if you looked at him in the paddock he was asleep and has the most delightful attitude.' He added, 'Horses who win this race go on to dip their toe in at Group One level.' Black Star Boy also impressed with a victory in the bet365 Handicap, potentially booking his ticket to bigger days.
Ed Walker said, 'He's another good advert for his sire and an absolute beast of a horse with a great temperament.' Walker is eyeing a trip to Royal Ascot for the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes but may now aim higher.