Another red-letter day for Australia

Blue-blood Sydney Opera House (2c Australia-Sitara, by Salse) led home a 1-2 for Australia in a high-class Curragh maiden on Saturday to continue a brilliant run for his first-season sire.

The sibling to the likes of Melbourne Cup winner Rekindling and Irish Derby runner-up Golden Sword saw off fellow Australia colt Patrick Sarsfield (2c Australia-Ultra Appeal, by Lawman), representing trainer Eddie Lynam, to win the mile contest.

Sydney Opera House holds entries in all the top juvenile events, as well as the 2019 G1 Derby, and trainer Aidan O’Brien commented: “You'd be delighted with that. He's a lovely horse and will be a middle-distance horse next year, he stays well I'd say. We're very happy with him and he has options now, he'll maybe go to the G2 Beresford Stakes.”

Bred by the Pocock family, Sydney Opera House realised 525,000gns as a yearling at Tattersalls.

Also on Saturday, Sir Mark Prescott sent out Brassica (2f Australia-Lasilia, by Acclamation) to win a Beverley novices’ event in the colours of Denford Stud.

The Racing Post commented: “An interesting fillies' novice, the two market leaders coming to the fore, and the form looks worth keeping an eye on.

“BRASSICA, who made an encouraging start over 6f on the AW in June and holds a Group 2 entry, had been given a break since and was up in trip for this switch to turf. She hit a flat spot on the turn into the straight, but she was quickly back on the bridle and and picked up well to open her account, despite still showing signs of inexperience. She's open to further progress and could be smart.”

The previous afternoon at Sandown, Sir Michael Stoute sent out 500,000gns yearling Almania (2c Australia-Sent From Heaven, by Footstepsinthesand) to win in the style of a high-class performer.