Opera Ballo delivered an outstanding front‑running effort to secure the bet365 Mile at Sandown, leaving his rivals in the dust. The Ghaiyyath‑sired colt had already shown the makings of a top‑class performer, winning four of his first five starts. Although he was outclassed by the seasoned Zeus Olympios in the Joel Stakes at Newmarket last autumn, the young horse rebounded with two decisive victories in Dubai, confirming his growing reputation.
Going off as the third‑most favoured runner at 4‑1 in this Group Two contest, Charlie Appleby’s entry was sent straight to the front by William Buick, who set a steady, honest tempo that allowed the colt to dictate the race from start to finish. The plan was simple: let Opera Ballo run his natural race, mirroring the tactics his sire employed, and let his speed do the work. Field Of Gold, the previous year’s Irish Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes champion, entered the race as the even‑money favourite. He had been expected to bounce back after a disappointing finish to his last season, and he made a strong late surge, moving up from well off the pace to challenge for the place.
In the final furlong he held off a determined Zeus Olympios to claim second, but neither horse ever truly threatened Opera Ballo’s lead. Appleby explained the rationale behind the front‑running strategy: "William and I were chatting yesterday and there was no clear pace scenario, so we decided to let him do what his sire did – jump out and run.
He's electric out of the gates, and Will always says he'll give us two or three lengths right from the start." The jockey’s confidence was rewarded, as Opera Ballo surged clear and stretched his advantage to three lengths by the finish line, delivering a value‑filled win for his backers. After the race, Appleby praised the colt’s composure: "It was a great ride from Will and a track that suited his style. Full credit to the horses behind for staying so close – once we built that lead, it was always going to be a tough ask for anyone to catch him. I loved the way he came down to the post; he was relaxed and happy, which told me he was in a good place.
Some people say he’s the fit horse, but that was back in January. Perhaps that run helped cement his confidence." Looking ahead, Appleby hinted at the colt’s next target: "Our plan has always been to step back up to nine furlongs for the Prix d'Ispahan. The Lockinge is also on the radar, but Notable Speech is the horse we have earmarked for that race." This forward‑looking approach suggests that Opera Ballo could soon be testing his abilities over middle distances against some of Europe’s best. In other news from Sandown, Roger Varian’s Saddadd produced a dramatic come‑from‑behind victory in the bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes, turning the race on its head.
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. After a close third‑place finish in the Listed Fountain Stakes at Goodwood, Saddadd entered the Sandown contest as a 2‑1 contender.
Ridden by Ray Dawson, Saddadd was held at the rear before launching a well‑timed challenge on the outside, overtaking the early leader King Of Cities by a length and three‑quarters. Almeric, the 15‑8 favourite, trailed in third, five and a half lengths back. Varian praised his charge, describing him as "an absolute darling of a horse" with a calm temperament and a keen intellect. He added that the horse had needed a winter break to recover from a firm‑ground campaign and that a return to ten‑furlong races seemed appropriate for the moment.
Varian also hinted at future ambitions, saying, "We’d love to see him at Ascot in the Champion Stakes. He handles softer ground well and should improve throughout the year.
Winning this race often leads to a Group One test, and while we’re not certain of his level yet, the performance certainly raises the question." Another standout performance came from Black Star Boy, who claimed a convincing win in the bet365 Handicap at Sandown. Trained by Ed Walker, the son of Starman had already shown enough promise to contest a Listed race as a two‑year‑old. Starting at 9‑1, the colt was guided by Kieran Shoemark, who delivered a perfect ride, allowing the horse to unleash his natural sprinting speed. Walker lauded his charge, calling him "an absolute beast with a great temperament" and noting the influence of his dam’s speed.
He explained that the horse had become unsettled in the stalls at York but recovered brilliantly at Sandown, pulling like a train down the straight. The win has revived plans to aim the colt at the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes at Royal Ascot, though the trainer admitted that the handicapper’s assessment will guide the final decision.
Overall, the day at Sandown showcased a mix of established talent and emerging stars, each demonstrating the depth and excitement of the current flat racing season. Opera Ballo’s dominant front‑running victory, Saddadd’s dramatic late surge, and Black Star Boy’s sprinting prowess all point to a promising future for these horses as they set their sights on higher‑grade contests later in the year.