Prix De L'Opera 2011

4.45 Longchamp

Prix De L'Opera (Fillies Group 1) (Class 1)  (3YO plus)

Winner €207,164

Advice: 2 pts win Announce (3/1 Boylesports)

Announce: Looked as if she was set for successful season when pipping useful Shamanova on seasonal debut and hen running into Sarafina straight after; Beaten into second and then fourth by Cirrus Des Aigles and form of win against Timepiece looks strong; Can go well.

Nahrain: Like quite a few for connections, quickly progressive when following up Windsor maiden win with Handicap romp at Haydock; Listed win at Sandown was impressive and rest since indicates this the target, so one to consider.

Banimpire: One of most improved fillies this season, landing no less than 5 Group races including Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot, and was desperately unlucky to get chinned by 1,000 Guineas winner Blue Bunting in Irish Oaks; Royal Whip Stakes win just another on the board, but then ran a flat race in Yorkshire Oaks; Had 45 day break since so should be ready to run and conditions could suit, so big chance as ever.

Sandy’s Charm: Ran down close home when carrying a penalty (open company) for her clear-cut all-the-way win of 1m fillies Group 3 at Deauville in August; Pacemaker in to ensure good gallop and interestingly progressive, although this a tougher task.

Shamaradanse: Pacemaker.

Haya Landa: Didn’t back up relatively promising debut when only sixth next time out but won for first time stepped up to 10 furlongs here; Had easy time of things when well ahead of Epic Love in French Oaks and two runs since, despite being unlucky, suggest that effort flatters her.

 

 Julie’s Love: Broke her duck in small event at Saint Cloud, and has since come runner up in German Listed and Group 2 event.

Djumama: German 1,000 Guineas winner and second in Oaks when well beaten by Dancing Rain on latter occasion; Bit short of the best in this field, while very consistent.

Glorious Sight: Would take some catching if given an easy lead based on her efforts in the French Guineas and Oaks, but seemed over the top when well beaten at Deauville last time.

Epic Love: Progressive; produced a fine turn of foot when catching La Pernelle by a head in the Group 3 Prix Vanteaux & looked set to claim Prix Saint Alary when beating off all but Wavering in last furlong; French Oaks was too slow for her and another decent effort when blocked in the run of the Prix De La Nonette; Has a good chance here.

VERDICT: ANNOUNCE looks to have an excellent chance here. Her form this season has been very solid, the trip and ground are in order and a 42 day break since her last win augurs well. Banimpire and Nahrain should go well although Epic Love is likely to be a real threat.