Opera Ballo delivered a superb front‑running display to capture the bet365 Mile at Sandown, confirming his status as a top‑class performer. The Ghaiyyath colt had already shown the makings of a high‑calibre racehorse, 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 fancied runner at 4‑1, Charlie Appleby’s charge was sent straight to the front by William Buick, who set a relentless pace that the field could not match. Last year’s Irish Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes champion Field Of Gold, the even‑money favourite looking to rebound from a disappointing finish to his previous campaign, was forced to make a late surge from well off the pace.
He managed to secure second place, beating the previously unbeaten Zeus Olympios in a hard‑fought finish. Neither challenger ever truly threatened Opera Ballo, who won comfortably by three lengths, offering excellent value for the price.
Appleby explained the tactics, recalling a conversation with Buick the day before the race: “There was no clear pace plan, so we decided to let the horse run as his sire did – jump out and take the lead.” He praised Opera Ballo’s explosive start, noting that Buick had always expected him to gain two or three lengths straight from the gates. “It was a brilliant ride from Will, and the track suited him perfectly. Credit to the horses behind for staying close – once our lad built that lead, it was a tough ask for anyone to catch him.” Appleby also reflected on the colt’s preparation, saying, “I loved the way he settled into the post and then gave everything. Some people say he was the fit horse back in January, but I think the recent run helped cement his confidence.” Looking ahead, Appleby hinted at a step up in distance, targeting a nine‑furlong test in the Prix d’Ispahan.
He added, “The Lockinge is on our radar, but Notable Speech is already slated for that race.” In the bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes, Roger Varian’s Saddadd turned a last‑place position into a winning effort, adding another intriguing prospect to the mix. The four‑year‑old had previously claimed the London Gold Cup at Newbury and a valuable handicap over the same course and distance last season, before finishing a close third in the Listed Fountain Stakes at Goodwood. Starting as a 2‑1 favourite for his seasonal re‑appearance, Saddadd was guided by Ray Dawson, who timed a challenge on the outside to overtake the front‑running King Of Cities by a length and three‑quarters, with the 15‑8 favourite Almeric trailing in third.
Varian praised his charge, describing him as “an absolute darling of a horse” with a calm temperament. He noted that Saddadd had been over‑fitted in a firm‑ground spell last year, which may have limited his performances, but a long training block over winter seemed to have restored his form.
“Ray is convinced we don’t need to move the goalposts yet; we’ll stick to ten furlongs for now,” Varian said, adding that the horse has matured well and runs with a relaxed style. He hinted at future ambitions, including a potential run in the Champion Stakes at Ascot, and suggested the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh could be a suitable target.
Varian concluded that the horse’s next step will be decided after assessing his performance in the upcoming Eclipse or a possible Brigadier Gerard penalty. Another standout was Black Star Boy, who delivered a convincing win in the bet365 Handicap at Sandown, positioning himself for bigger challenges. The son of Starman, trained by Ed Walker, had already proven his ability at Listed level as a two‑year‑old and now, at 9‑1, he impressed under jockey Kieran Shoemark. Walker praised the colt’s temperament and sprinting pedigree, noting his speed on both sides of his pedigree.
He recounted a chaotic start at York where the horse became agitated, but praised Shoemark’s ride at Sandown, calling the colt “an exciting sprinter.” Walker’s immediate plan was the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes at Royal Ascot, but he remains open to higher‑level opportunities depending on the handicapper’s assessment. He reflected on the decision to run Black Star Boy in a Listed race last season, suggesting that a step up to a Group race like the Sandy Lane at Haydock could be on the cards. Overall, the meeting at Sandown produced several compelling narratives: Opera Ballo’s dominant front‑running victory, Saddadd’s comeback from the back of the field, and Black Star Boy’s emerging sprinting talent.
Each trainer highlighted the importance of patient development, appropriate race placement, and the potential for these horses to step up to Group One contests in the near future, keeping racing enthusiasts eager for what lies ahead in the season.