Horse Racing
‘He’s bouncing’ – All roads lead to Goodwood for Opera Ballo
Opera Ballo is reported on track to play a leading role in a mouthwatering clash of the ages in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.
The Godolphin-owned four-year-old, third to Ten Bob Tony in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, came out of the race “bouncing” according to trainer Charlie Appleby.
And it is next stop the Sussex Downs for the Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes on July 29, where he could take on crack three-year-olds Bow Echo and Gstaad over a mile.
“He’s Goodwood-bound – the plan is to go straight to the Sussex with him,” said Appleby.
“Surprisingly he came out of the race at Ascot very well. I thought he’d sleep a bit after that run as it was an end-to-end gallop and he did it the hard way, but he hasn’t – he’s come out of it bouncing.
“We’re just going through the motions now and working our way towards Goodwood. He’s always had the pace, it’s just about trying to control it slightly.”
Another Appleby-trained colt heading for Goodwood is Talk Of New York, who was third behind Bow Echo and Gstaad in the St James’s Palace Stakes at the Royal meeting.
Appleby added: “Talk Of New York will go for the Thoroughbred Stakes – I think that’s tailor-made for him round there.
“Again, surprisingly given he had a hard race, he bounced out of Ascot well.
“The start didn’t do him any favours but he was taking on two Guineas winners, so full credit to him.”
