Opera Ballo reasserted his credentials with a commanding win in the Listed Star Sports Heron Stakes during Sandown Park’s Brigadier Gerard Evening, showing marked improvement following a below-par effort in Group company last month. The colt, trained by Charlie Appleby, had struggled with his enthusiasm on his turf debut at Newmarket, but the addition of a hood and a return to Listed level seemed to have made all the difference.
The Ghaiyyath progeny settled better this time around, despite showing signs of eagerness early in the race. Once jockey William Buick navigated him into a good position, Opera Ballo quickened decisively to assert control in the final stages, leaving last year’s Champagne Stakes winner Bay City Roller trailing by two and a half lengths.
Assistant trainer Alex Merriam noted that the headgear had a calming effect on the colt and indicated it would likely stay on for future starts. Although Opera Ballo holds an entry in the prestigious St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, his team remains cautious, emphasizing that he’s still developing and the decision on his next move will be made with care.
Buick echoed the sentiments of the stable, describing the horse as a promising type who’s still learning his trade. The goal at Sandown was to teach the colt patience, and by easing him behind horses through the bend, the team gleaned valuable insight into how he might be managed going forward. Buick believes the colt will flourish over a mile for now, though he wouldn’t rule out longer trips in time.
Buick earlier landed another big prize on the night when guiding Trawlerman to victory in the Group Three Star Sports Henry II Stakes. Returning in great condition from a Dubai campaign, the John and Thady Gosden-trained stayer produced a front-running display that confirmed his candidacy for a return to the Gold Cup at Ascot, particularly with former rival Kyprios now retired. Having pushed the Irish champion last season, Trawlerman’s camp is optimistic about improving on their previous runner-up finish.
For Bay City Roller, a shift in direction is likely. Trainer George Scott suggested a step up in distance is imminent for the New Bay colt, whose pedigree indicates he’s better suited to ten furlongs or further. While pleased with the runner-up effort, Scott confirmed that Royal Ascot may not be on the agenda due to race conditions and penalties. A future campaign abroad, possibly in France, is being considered to better match the colt’s strengths.
The night ended on a sentimental note as Hafeet Alain, a veteran of the Ed Walker stable, produced a surprise success in the Whitsun Cup Handicap. The nine-year-old gelding, beloved in his yard and long known as a reliable campaigner, broke a year-long drought with a commanding win that delighted connections. For jockey Jack Doughty, it was a first winner at the course — a memorable milestone.
Trainer Walker hinted that the performance may have been a fitting swan song, with retirement discussions already in place for the Elzaam gelding. The victory, though unexpected, may be the perfect moment to let a well-loved horse end his racing days on a high. Walker paid tribute to both the horse’s enduring spirit and the owners, who have supported the stable faithfully through the years.
In all, the Sandown evening card delivered high emotion, career milestones, and intriguing prospects for the summer season ahead — an engaging blend of seasoned warriors and emerging stars.
