3 minute read

Aidan O’Brien strengthened next year’s Classic credentials once more by saddling the impressive Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac winner Opera Singer at Longchamp on Sunday afternoon.

The Aidan O'Brien filly arrived fresh off the back of a commanding victory in the Group 3 Newtownanner Stud Irish EBF Stakes at the Curragh in August and proved that emphatic success be no fluke in sunny Paris.

Ryan Moore set out to dictate matters in front, with fellow market rival Darnation keeping tabs on O'Brien's filly but the 2/1 joint favourite always looked to have matters under control and kicked clear for a clear-cut victory.

The unbeaten Rose Bloom filled the runner-up spot but was no match for the impressive daughter of Justify, while Les Pavots finished back in third.

Paddy Power cut the winner from 16/1 to 7/1 for the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket next May but that price was short-lived with Opera Singer now standing the clear market leader at 5/1 for the fillies' classic.

"We've been excited with her," winning trainer Aidan O'Brien told ITV Racing.

"Ryan said she was very straightforward," he continued. "She really appreciated the step up to a mile like we thought she would. I thought she was very strong all the way to the line, and it was an impressive performance. Being on nicer ground helped her put in that performance.

"She's by Justify and they get better with age. As she steps up in trip, she's something to look forward to next year.

"We've been excited with her the whole time; she's a beautiful filly and we've always loved her from the first day she ran.

"We thought when she stepped up to the mile at the Curragh the last day she would change and grow another leg and that's what she did – she was very impressive the last day.

"She's obviously a filly that would have no problem starting off at a mile in a Classic and you would imagine she would have no problem going up to a mile and a quarter and a mile and a half.

"Ryan was raving about her there coming in – he said to look forward to this day next year [in the Arc]."

On a trip to the Breeders' Cup, he added: "It's very possible, obviously it will depend on what the lads want to do, but she is by Justify and has plenty of experience if they want to go there."