Opera Ballo has been exciting ever since he first set foot on a racecourse almost exactly a year ago. The four-year-old now has a Group 1 after a scorching victory in the Jebel Hatta [presented by Longines].
On a brilliant night for jockey William Buick, who rode three winners, the colt pulled hard in the early stages of the 1800metre turf contest but was anchored just behind the leaders Silawi and Nations Pride. He hit the front 200metres from home and charged away for a two and a half length victory over Silawi, with Holloway Boy third.
“We felt that we had a good horse for some time, so well done to the team here for getting him relaxed,” said Appleby, winning this race for a fifth time. “He’s still headstrong and William always says they can’t go fast enough for him. You need to hold onto him for as long as you can.
“He’s an exciting horse going forward, and now we have the Dubai Turf invitation.”
It was a record fifth win in the race, too, for Buick, who said: “He reminds me so much of his father Ghaiyyath. He’s so competitive and has a world of talent to go with it. He just wants to please you the whole time.
“I’m delighted with the way he won, but he still needs to learn to relax and race in a proper manner, then he’ll be a proper horse.”
About The Author
