Opera Ballo Stays On The “Notable Speech” Route

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Wednesday's Observations features the return of a 'TDN Rising Star'.

7.30 Kempton, Cond, £60,000, 3yo, 8f (AWT)
OPERA BALLO (IRE) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}) takes in this “European Road To The Kentucky Derby” Conditions Stakes which tends to have little or no bearing on that monument but which 12 months ago witnessed the ascendancy of a different Classic hero in Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Trained like that 2,000 Guineas winner by Charlie Appleby, the Godolphin homebred who cost €600,000 at Arqana Deauville August earned TDN Rising Star status with his 8 1/2-length debut success over this course and distance last month and tackles five rivals. They include Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum's Southwell debut scorer Saddadd (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}), a Roger Varian-trained half-brother to two black-type performers including last year's smart Listed Heron Stakes winner Almaqam (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}).