Opera Ballo delivered a dazzling front‑running display to secure the bet365 Mile at Sandown, confirming his status as a rising star in the sprint‑middle distance division. The colt, bred by the Ghaiyyath operation, had already hinted at top‑class potential by winning four of his first five starts.
Although he was outclassed by the seasoned Zeus Olympios in the Joel Stakes at Newmarket last autumn, he rebounded with two commanding victories in Dubai, suggesting that the earlier defeat was a temporary setback rather than a permanent flaw. Going off as the third‑most favored at 4‑1 in this Group Two contest, Charlie Appleby’s stable entered the race with a clear plan. Jockey William Buick broke from the stalls and immediately sent Opera Ballo to the front, allowing the horse to dictate the tempo from the outset. The tactic proved effective, as the young thoroughbred settled into a comfortable rhythm and began to stretch the field.
Field Of Gold, the previous year’s Irish Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes champion, was the even‑money favourite and was expected to bounce back after a lackluster finish to his last campaign. He was forced to come from well off the pace, making a late surge to challenge for the place.
In the end, he managed to hold on for second, fending off a strong finishing effort from the unbeaten Zeus Olympios. Neither rival could threaten Opera Ballo’s dominance; the winner won by a clear three‑length margin, a result that many pundits described as excellent value.
Appleby explained the strategy after the race: "William and I were chatting yesterday and there was no clear pace scenario, so we decided to let him emulate his sire, jump out and run. This horse is electric out of the gates, and Will always says he can gain two or three lengths straight away." He added, "It was a superb ride from Will and a track that suited that kind of early speed. Full credit to the horses behind for staying close – once our lad built that lead, it was always going to be a tough ask for anyone to reel him in." Appleby also praised the colt’s composure at the finish: "I loved the way he eased down at the post – he just hacked, and I knew he was in a good place. Some people say he was the fittest horse back in January, but that run under his belt certainly helped.
Our plan has always been to step him up to nine furlongs for the Prix d'Ispahan, and I expect that to be his next target. The Lockinge is also on the agenda, but Notable Speech is slated for that race." In the same meeting, Roger Varian’s Saddadd produced a classic come‑from‑behind victory in the bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes, adding another intriguing prospect to the British racing landscape. The four‑year‑old had previously captured the London Gold Cup at Newbury and a valuable handicap over the same distance, before finishing a close third in the Listed Fountain Stakes at Goodwood. Entering the Sandown race as a 2‑1 favourite, Saddadd was settled mid‑pack before Ray Dawson launched a well‑timed outside challenge, pulling clear of the early leader King Of Cities by one and three‑quarter lengths.
Almeric, the 15‑8 favourite, trailed in third, five and a half lengths back. Varian raved about his charge: "He’s an absolute darling – in the paddock he was half asleep, with the most delightful temperament. If I could give his brain to every good horse I’ve had, it would be a gift. He won here like a top‑class runner last September, and although he was beaten at Goodwood in a strong Listed race, he needed the winter break to recover.
He had an extended spell of training, and now he’s back over the top. We’ll keep him at ten furlongs for the time being; he runs relaxed and has matured beautifully." He continued, "We dream of a Group One future – perhaps the Champion Stakes at Ascot – but his next race will tell us more. He handles cutting ground well and should improve as the season progresses. Winners of this race often step up to Group One level, though the field here wasn’t a Group One, so we’ll have to see where he lands.
The Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh could be a good test, and we’re also eyeing a summer return to Sandown for the Eclipse. A mile and a quarter seems ideal for now; the question is which race we target next." Another standout performance came from Black Star Boy, who secured a decisive win in the bet365 Handicap at Sandown. Trained by Ed Walker, the son of Starman proved his worth by winning at 9‑1 under jockey Kieran Shoemark.
The colt, who had previously contested a Listed race at two, is now being considered for higher‑grade contests, with the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes at Royal Ascot a likely next step. Walker praised his charge: "He’s a fantastic advertisement for his sire – an absolute beast with a great temperament. He inherits speed from his dam’s side, so he’s always been a sprinter, and he showed that today with a perfect ride from Kieran. He got unsettled in the stalls at York, but once he broke, he was a train, pulling hard and never finding cover – it was a raw, powerful effort.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse was always the plan, but we’ll see what the handicapper decides. I was impressed today and we might even try the Sandy Lane at Haydock if the odds look right." These performances underscore a vibrant spring meeting at Sandown, with several horses demonstrating the potential to step up to Group One company later in the season.
Opera Ballo’s front‑running brilliance, Saddadd’s late surge, and Black Star Boy’s sprinting power each add depth to the British racing narrative, promising exciting battles in the upcoming classics and major festivals. Fans can stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and features on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a moment of the sport’s evolving story.