Opera Ballo delivered an outstanding front‑running display to secure the bet365 Mile at Sandown, confirming his status as a top‑class contender. 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 emphatic victories in Dubai that underscored his improvement. Going into the Group Two contest, Opera Ballo was the third‑favorite at 4‑1, backed by trainer Charlie Appleby. From the start, William Buick sent him straight to the lead and he never looked back, dictating a steady, strong pace that left the field struggling to match his rhythm.
The previous year’s Irish Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes winner Field Of Gold, who entered the race as the even‑money favorite after a lackluster finish to his last season, was forced to make a late surge from far back. He managed to clinch second place, edging out the unbeaten Zeus Olympios in a hard‑fought battle for the runner‑up spot. Neither challenger ever truly threatened Opera Ballo’s dominance, and the Ghaiyyath colt won comfortably by three lengths, delivering excellent value for punters.
After the race, Appleby explained the tactical thinking behind the ride: “William and I were chatting yesterday and there wasn’t a clear pace scenario, so we decided to let him do what his sire did – jump out and run.” He added that Opera Ballo is “electric out of the gates” and that Buick consistently aims to give him a two‑ or three‑length advantage at the start. Appleby praised Buick’s performance, saying, “It was a superb ride from Will, and the track suited that style perfectly.
Full credit to the horses behind for staying so close – once our lad built that lead, it was always going to be a tough ask for anyone to catch him, but he maintained his gallop beautifully.” He also reflected on the colt’s condition, noting, “I loved the way he eased down to the post today; he was clearly comfortable. Some people say he’s the fit horse, but that was back in January.
Perhaps that recent run helped solidify his form.” Looking ahead, Appleby hinted at a step up in distance: “Our plan has always been to stretch him out to nine furlongs for the Prix d’Ispahan, and that’s likely where we’ll head next. The Lockinge is also on the agenda, but Notable Speech is earmarked for that race.” In a separate highlight, Roger Varian’s Saddadd turned a last‑place position into a winning effort in the bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes, opening a range of intriguing possibilities for the future.
The four‑year‑old had previously captured the London Gold Cup at Newbury and a valuable handicap over the same course and distance last season. He had also finished a close third when stepped up to Listed class in Goodwood’s Fountain Stakes.
Entering the race as a 2‑1 favorite, Saddadd was positioned on the outside by jockey Ray Dawson and produced a well‑timed challenge to overtake the early leader King Of Cities by a length and three‑quarters. The 15‑8 favorite Almeric trailed in third, five and a half lengths behind.
Varian described Saddadd as “an absolute darling” with a calm temperament, noting that the horse appeared to be asleep in the paddock before the race. He praised Saddadd’s intellect, saying, “If I could put his brain into every good horse I’ve had… he reminds me of all those great horses that combine talent with a brilliant mind.” Varian reflected on the horse’s development, explaining that Saddadd had performed well last September but was off the form after a tough Listed race at Goodwood.
“He needed the winter,” Varian said. “We gave him a long spell on firm ground and an extended training period, which seemed to bring him back to his best. He’s a nice horse, matured nicely, and I liked how he finished the race.” Looking forward, Varian expressed optimism about Saddadd’s potential at the Group One level, though he cautioned that the current field was not a Group One contest. “We’ll see where the ladder leads,” he said.
“He could target the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh or perhaps a return to Ascot for the Eclipse. He’s shown he can handle softer ground and will only improve as the season progresses.” Another standout was Black Star Boy, who delivered a commanding win in the bet365 Handicap at Sandown, positioning himself for bigger opportunities. Trained by Ed Walker, the son of Starman had already proven his merit at Listed level as a two‑year‑old and, at 9‑1, he produced a powerful performance under jockey Kieran Shoemark. Walker highlighted the colt’s pedigree, noting his sire’s reputation and the speed inherited from his dam’s side, describing him as “an absolute beast with a great temperament.” Walker recounted a chaotic start at York where Black Star Boy became agitated in the stalls, but praised Shoemark’s ride at Sandown, saying, “Kieran gave him the perfect ride; he’s an exciting sprinter.” The trainer hinted that the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes at Royal Ascot had been the original target, but the impressive handicap win may prompt a reevaluation of the horse’s campaign.
“We’ll see what the handicapper does,” Walker said, adding that they had previously entered the colt in a Listed race because they believed he was of that class. Overall, the day at Sandown provided a rich tapestry of narratives: Opera Ballo’s dominant front‑running victory, Saddadd’s dramatic comeback, and Black Star Boy’s emergence as a potential sprinter for the Royal meeting. Each performance not only delivered immediate excitement but also set the stage for future contests at the highest level of flat racing.