Fine Form
Charlie Appleby’s patient approach with
Opera Ballo GO – 1.55
can pay dividends in the Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood.
The son of Ghaiyyath made quite a splash in winning his first two starts on the Kempton all-weather, blazing home by eight and a half lengths on his maiden debut before following up with another stylish four-length success when upped to conditions company.
Appleby felt Opera Ballo deserved a shot at a Classic trial after that, but he finished a well-beaten sixth behind Field Of Gold in the Craven after racing far too keenly and the trainer decided to take a step back into Listed company the next time.
Opera Ballo duly returned to winning form in the Heron Stakes before adding another decisive victory at that level at Newmarket’s July meeting, with the application of a hood seemingly doing a fine job in curbing his enthusiasm.
This represents a different test again but Opera Ballo appears to be maturing with each outing and it will be disappointing if he does not continue his progression here.
Asfoora GO – 3.05
put up a staunch defence of her King Charles III Stakes title at Royal Ascot, but ultimately the lack of prep run on British shores appeared to tell as she came home fifth behind American Affair.
Trainer Henry Dwyer had shipped his stable star earlier in the campaign last year, fitting in an initial outing at Haydock before her famous Ascot success, but travel issues meant that was not an option this time around.
Beaten two lengths on the big day, Asfoora just did not have that extra gear at the finish but that first run since April should have sharpened her up nicely and she can go one place better than last year’s short-head second in the King George Qatar Stakes.
Treasure Time’s withdrawal from the Coral Golden Mile certainly boosts the chances of
Skukuza GO – 2.30
with Ryan Moore engaged by Ed Dunlop for his hat-trick seeker, who is 8lb well-in on official figures.
The aforementioned Appleby can also hit the target at Newmarket with
Beckford’s Folly NM – 5.45
after a really promising victory at the track last month.
Green on debut when fourth, he put that experience to good use when quickening away from Rydale Frosty and the Up EBF Novice Stakes looks a good opportunity for this Gimcrack entry.
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