Opera Ballo delivered a commanding front‑running display to secure the bet365 Mile at Sandown, leaving his rivals in his wake. The Ghaiyyath‑sired colt had already hinted at top‑class potential, having won four of his first five starts and, after a disappointing defeat to Zeus Olympios in the Joel Stakes at Newmarket last autumn, he rebounded with two decisive victories in Dubai. Going off as the third‑most fancied runner at 4‑1 in this Group Two event, Charlie Appleby’s charge was entrusted to William Buick, who promptly sent Opera Ballo straight to the front and let him dictate the tempo from the outset. The field soon settled into a rhythm, with the Irish‑trained Field Of Gold—last year’s Irish Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes winner—making a late surge from well off the pace.
Field Of Gold, the even‑money favourite hoping to rebound from a lackluster finish to his previous campaign, managed to rally and ultimately secured second place, fending off the previously unbeaten Zeus Olympios for the runner‑up spot. Despite the strong finish from his rivals, neither challenger ever truly threatened Opera Ballo’s dominance. The colt proved to be excellent value, pulling away to win by three lengths. 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 run like his sire—jump and go.” He added, “He’s electric out of the gates, and Will always says he can gain two or three lengths right from the start.” Appleby praised both the jockey and the track conditions that allowed such a performance, noting, “It was a great ride from Will, and the track suited his style.
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 close it down.” He also reflected on the colt’s development, saying, “I loved the way he settled into the post and kept hacking—he was clearly in a good place. People talk about him being the fit horse, but that was back in January; perhaps that recent run helped him find his stride.” Looking ahead, Appleby hinted at a step up in distance: “Our plan has always been to stretch him to nine furlongs for the Prix d'Ispahan, and that’s likely where we’ll aim next. The Lockinge is also on the radar, though Notable Speech is slated for that race.” In the same meeting, Roger Varian’s Saddadd produced a remarkable comeback, moving from the rear of the field to capture 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 course and distance last season, before finishing a close third in the Listed Fountain Stakes at Goodwood when stepped up in class. Starting as a 2‑1 favourite for his seasonal return, Saddadd was guided by Ray Dawson, who timed his challenge perfectly on the outside. The horse surged past the early leader, King Of Cities, winning by a length and three‑quarters, with the 15‑8 favourite Almeric another five and a half lengths back in third. Varian was effusive about his charge, describing him as “an absolute darling” with a calm demeanor in the paddock.
He likened Saddadd’s intelligence to that of his best horses, noting, “He reminds me of those top performers that combine talent with a sharp mind.” Varian reflected on the horse’s form, saying, “He won here last September like a quality runner, and although he was beaten at Goodwood in a strong Listed race, he wasn’t the same horse afterward. He needed the winter break, and after a long spell of training on firm ground, he returned refreshed.” He added that the trainer intends to keep the horse at ten furlongs for the time being, emphasizing his relaxed running style and recent maturity.
Looking ahead, Varian expressed ambition for Saddadd, saying, “We’d love to see him contest the Champion Stakes at Ascot. He handles soft ground well and should improve throughout the year.” He acknowledged that the Gordon Richards field was not a Group One level but noted that winners of this race often step up to Group One contests. “His next run will tell us more about his true class,” Varian said, mentioning potential targets such as the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh, the Eclipse at Sandown, or even a Royal Ascot campaign.
Another standout performance came from Black Star Boy, who seized a convincing win in the bet365 Handicap at Sandown. Trained by Ed Walker, the son of Starman had previously contested a Listed race as a two‑year‑old and now, under a 9‑1 shot, impressed with a powerful finish under jockey Kieran Shoemark.
Walker highlighted the colt’s pedigree, noting his sire’s reputation and his own “beast of a horse” temperament. He described the race as a “sprinter’s showcase,” with Black Star Boy pulling away after a chaotic start at York where he became agitated in the stalls.
Walker hinted at future ambitions, saying, “The Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes at Royal Ascot was always the plan, but we’ll see what the handicapper decides. We tried him in a Listed race last year because we believed he belonged there. Perhaps a step up to the Sandy Lane at Haydock is next.” These performances underscore the depth of talent currently on display in British flat racing, with trainers and owners eyeing a mix of classic distances and prestigious festivals as the season progresses.
The blend of seasoned Group Two winners and emerging prospects promises an exciting narrative for racing fans as the calendar moves toward the summer’s marquee events.