Opera Singer, a Justify Filly, Wins Nassau Stakes at Goodwood
Opera Singer, a daughter of Justify, the winner of the 2018 Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, claimed victory in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, proving herself a worthy successor to her sire's legacy. The race, held on Thursday, August 1st, saw Opera Singer face off against a talented field of fillies and mares over a distance of 1 ¼ miles.
The filly, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, exhibited a strong start and immediately seized control of the race. Despite the pressure from Lumiere Rock and another horse, Opera Singer remained composed, maintaining a comfortable lead as she entered the final quarter-mile.
The Finish Line
Moore only started asking for more from Opera Singer in the final quarter-mile, giving her a hand ride to the finish line. The filly responded well to the jockey's urging, but the finish was still tense. See The Fire, ridden by Oisin Murphy, came charging in with a late challenge, but Opera Singer held on for the win, securing victory by a neck.
Sparkling Plenty, the winner of the French Oaks, took third place, three-quarters of a length behind the victor. The victory marked Opera Singer's second Group 1 win, adding to her impressive resume which includes a previous Group 1 victory in the Prix Marcel Boussac last October.
O’Brien’s High Hopes
“We always felt she was crying out for a step up in trip and she's a very good filly who could step up further,” O'Brien said. “If she is going to the Arc, she might go for the [G1] Prix Vermeille before but if the ground was bad at Longchamp she could go to the Breeders' Cup instead. Last year, we thought her and [Justify’s] City Of Troy were the best 2-year-old filly and colt we'd ever had.”
Opera Singer's triumph marks another chapter in the success story of Justify, a horse whose legacy continues to be felt in the world of horse racing.
Other Races and Notable Performances
The Nassau Stakes was not the only exciting race on Thursday’s card at Goodwood. The Group 2 Richmond Stakes saw Black Forza, trained by Michael O’Callaghan, make a late surge to win, beating out The Strikin Viking and Tropical Storm. This victory marked Black Forza’s first Group 2 win and showcased his potential for future success.
In the Group 2 Gordon Stakes, Jan Brueghel, also trained by Aidan O’Brien, fought off a tough challenge from Bellum Justum to secure the win. The son of Galileo, despite showing signs of greenness throughout the race, demonstrated staying ability and is poised for further improvement. O’Brien, in his post-race interview, acknowledged the filly's potential, stating that Jan Brueghel is “just a big baby” and could improve further. He also indicated that the St Leger could be a future target for the filly.
These races, along with the others held on Thursday at Goodwood, demonstrated the impressive talent and potential of the horses competing. As the racing season continues, these horses will undoubtedly be ones to watch, with the potential for even greater victories in the months to come.
The Future of Opera Singer
With the Nassau Stakes win under her belt, Opera Singer is positioned for even greater success. The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Breeders’ Cup are possible targets for the filly, offering opportunities to showcase her talent on a global stage. Her sire, Justify, was known for his speed and stamina. Opera Singer seems to have inherited both, proving herself a true champion. Her victory at Goodwood is a testament to her abilities, showcasing her potential to follow in the footsteps of her legendary sire. This is a filly to keep a close eye on as she continues to progress in the world of horse racing.
