Friday, 23 January saw a superb card at Meydan, highlighted by two G1 contests: the Al Maktoum Challenge on the dirt and the Jebel Hatta on the turf. Both races were won in style by sons of Darley stallions as Dubawi’s seasoned performer Imperial Emperor staked his Dubai World Cup claim in the Al Maktoum Challenge, swiftly followed by another impressive victory for the very exciting Ghaiyyath colt Opera Ballo.
Imperial Emperor was always prominent under Richard Mullen and once entering the home straight, soon opened up a clear lead over his rivals and was never seriously challenged, finishing a length and a half ahead of the fast-finishing Tumbarumba.
Imperial Emperor becomes the 64th G1 winner for his sensational sire and will now be aimed at the 30th running of the Dubai World Cup.
He is out of the G1-winning mare Zhukova, herself a half-sister to none other than Ghaiyyath, who well and truly ensured it was a family affair when siring the winner of G1 Jebel Hatta, Opera Ballo.
Opera Ballo has been a hugely exciting performer for Ghaiyyath and Godolphin for some time now and this G1 victory was well deserved for the four-year-old colt.
Despite taking a keen hold under William Buick, Opera Ballo was settled in behind the early leaders and was produced brilliantly a furlong out to cruise clear and win by two and a half lengths from Silawi (Dubawi). He will now head to the G1 Dubai Turf on World Cup night.
Opera Ballo was bred by Ecurie de Cachene and is out of the Invincible Spirit mare Dubai Opera, also dam of Night Of Thunder’s Stakes-performing daughter Dyptique. The mare is herself a half-sister to Group-winning duo Earnshaw and Lockwood.
Ghaiyyath has made a very strong start with his first two crops to race, siring almost 50% winners to runners and 12 Black Type horses. He is also sire of Australian sensation Observer, winner of last year’s G1 Victoria Derby.
