Tremendous third G1 success for Wild Illusion in the Prix de l’Opera

Wild Illusion ran on strongly for victory in the G1 Prix de l’Opera on Arc day at Longchamp, France on Sunday, 7 October.

The three-year-old Dubawi filly, who captured the G1 Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on her previous start in August, followed up by a length from Magic Wand in the 10-furlong Prix de l’Opera.

Ridden again by William Buick, Wild Illusion raced prominently in the 15-strong field, settling in fifth.

She came through in the straight to go second and then led with more than a furlong remaining.

Wild Illusion was never in danger after that and triumphed in great style, with her time on good ground coming to 2m 4.32s.

Charlie Appleby reported: “Wild Illusion is a very good filly and this was another admirable performance from her today.

“She lived up to her reputation as a game and tough filly with a gutsy G1 victory. 

“She is a credit to herself and the team – she is a star. She is a filly we have always been fond off since the start of her two-year-old career. 

“Wild Illusion is tough and genuine – a typical Dubawi. 

“She has danced every dance this year. She finished fourth in the Guineas (G1), second in both the Oaks (G1) and the Ribblesdale (G1). She then came out and won the Nassau (G1) and she's backed that up today. 

“We came into this race very confident. She looked fantastic and it was another deserved victory. William gave her a great ride.

“She obviously likes racing in France as she won her first G1 on this day last year at Chantilly (the Prix Marcel Boussac).

“This Prix de l’Opera was always our target after the Nassau and hopefully, all being well, she will now go for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1, 11f, Churchill Downs, USA, 3 November).

William Buick declared: “Wild Illusion has been a great filly to ride at the top-level throughout 2018 and I was delighted with the way she performed again today.”