Opera Ballo delivered a stunning front‑running display to secure the bet365 Mile at Sandown, confirming his status as a top‑class contender. The colt, bred by Ghaiyyath, had already hinted at greatness by winning four of his first five starts.
Although he was outclassed by the rising Zeus Olympios in the Joel Stakes at Newmarket last autumn, Opera Ballo rebounded with two dominant victories in Dubai, showcasing his ability to handle different tracks and conditions. Going off at 4‑1, the third‑favorite in a competitive Group Two field, Charlie Appleby’s stable entered the race with confidence. Jockey William Buick broke from the gates with purpose, sending Opera Ballo straight to the front where he set a steady, honest pace.
From there, the horse dictated the tempo, never looking back as the field chased his lead. Field Of Gold, the Irish Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes winner from the previous year, started as the even‑money favourite.
After a disappointing finish to his last campaign, many expected him to bounce back. He launched a late challenge from well back, closing strongly in the final furlongs and ultimately taking second place, ahead of the unbeaten Zeus Olympios, who finished third.
Despite the strong finish from his rivals, neither Field Of Gold nor Zeus Olympios ever seemed likely to threaten Opera Ballo’s dominance. The Italian‑bred colt won comfortably by three lengths, delivering excellent value for punters who backed him at the modest odds. Appleby explained the tactical decision that led to the victory: "William and I were discussing the race yesterday and there was no clear pace scenario, so we decided to let him run like his sire—jump and go. He's electric out of the gates, and Will always says he can gain two or three lengths straight from the start." Appleby praised Buick’s ride, noting the track suited the horse’s early speed: "It was a superb ride from Will, and the course allowed us to build that early lead.
Credit to the horses behind for staying close; once we had that gap, it was a tough ask for anyone to close it." He added, "I loved the way he finished. He kept going, and I knew he was in a good spot. Some people say he was the fit horse back in January, but that run today proved his fitness.
Our plan has always been to step up to nine furlongs for the Prix d'Ispahan, and that’s likely our next target. The Lockinge is also on the agenda, though Notable Speech is earmarked for that race." In the same meeting, Roger Varian’s Saddadd produced a remarkable comeback, moving from last place 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 at Sandown last season.
After stepping up to Listed class in Goodwood’s Fountain Stakes and finishing a close third, Saddadd entered the race at 2‑1. Riding the outside, Ray Dawson timed his challenge perfectly, overtaking the early leader King Of Cities by a length and three‑quarters.
The favourite Almeric trailed five and a half lengths behind in third. Varian praised Saddadd’s temperament: "He’s an absolute darling.
In the paddock he was asleep, showing a delightful attitude. He reminds me of all those great horses with both talent and a sound mind." Varian reflected on the horse’s development: "He won here last September, then was beaten at Goodwood when the ground was firm. He needed the winter break and a long spell of training.
He’s matured nicely, and I liked how he finished the race." Looking ahead, Varian said, "We’ll keep him at ten furlongs for now. He’s a relaxed runner and could stay the distance.
Our ultimate goal might be a Group One at Ascot, perhaps the Champion Stakes, but we’ll let his form dictate the steps. The Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh is also tempting, as is a return to Sandown for the Eclipse in the summer. He’s proven he can handle softer ground, and we’ll continue to test his limits." Another highlight was Black Star Boy’s convincing win in the bet365 Handicap at Sandown. Trained by Ed Walker, the son of Starman had already shown promise by contesting a Listed race as a two‑year‑old.
Starting at 9‑1, the colt was ridden by Kieran Shoemark, who delivered a flawless sprint, pulling away with ease. Walker lauded his charge, saying, "He’s a fantastic advertisement for his sire, a true beast with a great temperament.
He inherits speed from his dam’s side, so he was destined to be a sprinter, and he proved it today. He got upset in the stalls at York, but once he broke, he was a train—no cover, pure power.
Kieran gave him the perfect ride, and he’s an exciting sprinter for sure." The trainer hinted at future plans: "We were aiming for the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes at Royal Ascot, but we’ll see what the handicapper says. He ran a Listed race last year, so we might try a higher‑class handicap at Haydock or elsewhere. We’ll keep evaluating his progress." Overall, the Sandown meeting delivered a mix of dominant performances, promising comebacks, and emerging sprint talent, setting the stage for a busy summer of Group races and potential Royal Ascot appearances.
The victories of Opera Ballo, Saddadd, and Black Star Boy illustrate the depth of the current generation and hint at exciting battles in the months ahead.