Opera Ballo gets his revenge with G2 bet365 Mile masterclass

Opera Ballo sent out a strong message on his European return as he gave weight and a beating to Field Of Gold and Zeus Olympios in the G2 bet365 Mile at Sandown Park, UK, on Friday, 24 April. 

The Ghaiyyath colt had finished behind the duo in both his defeats last season, finishing sixth in the G3 Craven Stakes won by Field Of Gold and chasing home Zeus Olympios in the G2 Joel Stakes. 

Burdened with a 5lb penalty following his G1 Jebel Hatta win in January, Opera Ballo was electric from the gates and immediately opened up a two-length advantage. The Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old continued to enjoy himself in front and looked to have all five of his rivals in trouble when William Buick kicked for home two furlongs out. 

Field Of Gold and Zeus Olympios tried to close but Opera Ballo extended his advantage inside the final furlong, crossing the line three lengths in front of a field that also included G1 winners Cicero's Gift and Never So Brave. 

Charlie Appleby said: “I have to give full credit to Maurizio [Pasquale], who rides Opera Ballo out at home and has done a fantastic job. There were lead horses entered in this race – we had Anno Domini and the Gosden’s had one entered as well – but there wasn’t a pace angle when everyone declared. William and I chatted yesterday and I said to let him do what his father did, which is jump and run. It was a great ride from the front and it was always going to be a tough task once he was given that lead. He maintained that gallop well. 

“Our plan was to go from here to the Prix d’Ispahan. We know he sees nine furlongs out from his runs in Dubai and I would imagine that’s where we will aim. The Lockinge is there, but Notable Speech will be aiming there if it’s quick ground.” 

William Buick added: “When Opera Ballo has jumped like that from the gates before, we have tried to get him back and get some cover. Today, the plan was always to let him roll – there was no obvious speed in the race – and he responded very well to it. I liked the way he travelled in front and he went through the gears nicely. 

“He is a horse who we have always held in high regard and we have never kept it a secret. He has a big season ahead and has proven today that he is ready to dine at the top table.” 

Stablemate Al Zanati booked himself a potential trip to Royal Ascot with a staying-on second in the G3 Classic Trial on the same card. 

Keen in the early exchanges of the 10-furlong contest, the Dubawi colt was taken back by William Buick after the first quarter-mile to race in sixth of the seven runners. 

Al Zanati made good headway after being switched out in the straight, grabbing second from Wise Prince inside the final furlong to go down by three and a quarter lengths to Raaheeb. 

Charlie Appleby said: “It was a pleasing run from Al Zanati, who is still learning. He has matured physically and mentally through the winter, and I would imagine a race like the Hampton Court Stakes might be up his street. A mile and a quarter looks the right trip, and I don’t see him running over further at this stage of his career.”