Superstar G1 Jebel Hatta victor Opera Ballo recorded his first domestic Group victory in the G2 bet365 Mile at Sandown Park, turning the tables with Zeus Olympios (Night Of Thunder). Jockey William Buick changed up the usual hold-up tactics and Opera Ballo dazzled from the front, despite carrying a five-pound penalty, to record a three-length triumph from a star-studded field that included three fellow top-flight winners.
Trained by Charlie Appleby, Opera Ballo is by World Champion Ghaiyyath and out of Dubai Opera (Invincible Spirit), bred by Ecurie De Cachene and purchased by Godolphin for €600,000 from Arqana August in 2023. He holds entries in the G1 Lockinge and G1 Prix d’Ispahan, both run in May.
This is Ghaiyyath’s second Black Type victory in as many days, following on from Mandanaba’s success yesterday at Longchamp in the Maurice Zilber Stakes. His other G1-winning son, Observer, recently retired to stud at Darley Australia, after completing the G1 Australian Guineas-G1 VRC Derby double. Ghaiyyath stands at Kildangan Stud, Ireland at a fee of €20,000 (Oct 1, SLF).
