3 minute read

The well-backed 2/1 favourite Blue Rose Cen bounced back to her best to land the Prix de l'Opera Longines at Longchamp.

The daughter of Churchill looked like a top-class prospect when taking out the Marcel Boussac in impressive style on this card twelve months ago and she had seemingly continued that into her three-year-old campaign with victories in the Prix de la Grotte, Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, and Prix de Diane Longines.

However, things never went to plan in a tactical affair in the Group 1 Qatar Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood and a step up to a mile and a half for the Group 1 Qatar Prix Vermeille prompted connections to drop back in trip after she failed to stay the distance.

The pair jumped well from their starting gate and although left in front throughout the early stages, regular rider Aurelien Lemaitre, who came under plenty of criticism for his ride at Goodwood just two starts ago, was soon able to slot in behind. The Irish-trained runners Lumiere Rock and Jackie Oh helped force the tempo and those behind the pace never managed to land a blow, as those more prominently positioned set down to do battle with a few furlongs to run.

It soon became clear that Blue Rose Cen was picking up smartly towards the middle of the track and although Aidan O'Brien's Jackie Oh continued to fight all the way to the line, she proved no match for the smart French filly, who would eventually go on to score by a neck. The front-running Lumiere Rock finished back in third with Al Husn back in fourth for Roger Varian.

Christopher Head said: "You never know they can be running in the Vermeille and still get it back in the Opera – what a filly.

"For sure she will stay in training at four. She's nominated for the Breeders' Cup, but we will have to discuss that.

"My ambition is to one day win the Arc and I'm working on it."