Ballydoyle’s Opera Singer Stuns Rivals In Prix Marcel Boussac

Opera Singer (2f Justify - Liscanna, by Sadler’s Wells) shot to 1,000 Guineas favouritism after blowing her rivals away in Sunday’s Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp.

The winner of a Leopardstown maiden in July, the Aidan O’Brien-trained filly bolted up in the Group 3 Newtownanner Stud Stakes last time out and was sent off favourite to follow up under Ryan Moore. Leading from the break, she was ridden approaching the two furlong marker and began to extend a furlong later. Running on strongly, she led by five lengths on the line, as her rivals fought for placings.

Opera Singer immediately shot to ante-post favouritism for both the 1,000 Guineas and Epsom Oaks, but O’Brien revealed that Ryan Moore had other things on his mind. “The first thing Ryan said coming back in was this filly will be coming back here this day next year,” said O’Brien. That’s what he’s dreaming about.”

Sunday provided O’Brien with a record-equalling fifth win in the race, and on his latest heroine, he said, “She’s very straightforward, very relaxed, very genuine and quickens very well.”

As mentioned by O’Brien, Ryan Moore was very much looking to the future. “She’s by Justify and we think they get better with age and as they step up in trip, so we think she’s something to look forward to next year,” said winning rider said. “She showed speed here today, but I think she’ll be very comfortable at a mile and even going up to a mile and a half perhaps. I thought she was impressive all the way through the line and I thought it was a very strong performance.”

Opera Singer was bred by the late Evie Stockwell and is raced by Coolmore partners with Westerberg. The daughter of Justify is a half-sister to four Stakes performers by War Front, including Grade 1 victor Hit It A Bomb and Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner Brave Anna.