OPERA BALLO HITS THE HIGH NOTES IN G2 AL RASHIDIYA

Trainer Appleby’s three-year-old colt claims maiden Group success under jockey Buick

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Opera Ballo recorded his fifth win and a first Group success, beating stablemate and four-time Group 1 winner Nations Pride in the 850,000 dirhams (S$299,000) Group 2 Al Rashidiya (1,800m) at Meydan on Dec 19.

The Ghaiyyath three-year-old colt, trained by Charlie Appleby, has kicked off an early and successful preparation for the Group 1 Dubai Turf (1,800m) at the Dubai World Cup meeting on March 28, 2026.

Jockey William Buick sat in third and asked for an effort just before the 200m, and $6 favourite Opera Ballo quickened and crossed the line three lengths ahead of Nations Pride (James Doyle).

First Conquest (Billy Loughnane) made it 1-2-3 for Appleby when he came in third.

“His biggest challenge is himself,” said Appleby. “William had to get him behind a horse and try and get him to settle.

“He was entitled to come forward for that (in fitness). The most logical place to go now is the Group 1 Jebel Hatta and then we'll see if he’s a World Cup night horse.”

The Jebel Hatta is run over 1,800m and will be held on Jan 23, 2026.

Buick, who was winning this race for the third time in a row and fifth overall, noted that the run helped Opera Ballo.

“The race just set up well for him and he had cover, which was crucial stepping up in trip,” he said.

“We came here wanting to learn something and to teach Opera Ballo something and | think we did that.