O’Brien steps Opera Singer up to a mile and a quarter

Aidan O’Brien anticipates that stepping Opera Singer up to a mile and a quarter for the Qatar Nassau Stakes will be “really interesting.”

The champion juvenile filly of last year, who won the Prix Marcel Boussac by five lengths, missed the 1000 Guineas due to a spring setback. O’Brien managed to get her back in time for the Irish equivalent, but given her missed time, he expected a significant improvement from that run.

Her third-place finish behind Fallen Angel in Ireland surprised O’Brien, but she made a notable leap forward at Royal Ascot, where she finished second to Porta Fortuna, a multiple Group One winner trained by his son, Donnacha. Porta Fortuna's subsequent victory in the Falmouth Stakes has further validated the form. With Opera Singer being by American Triple Crown winner Justify, O’Brien believes the step up to 10 furlongs should suit her well.

The Opera Singer will receive an 8lb allowance from her chief rival, Emily Upjohn, trained by John and Thady Gosden. Now a five-year-old, Emily Upjohn has not won since her victory in last year’s Coronation Cup, where she defeated subsequent King George and Arc runner-up Westover. Despite needing to be supplemented for the race at a cost of £40,000, connections decided to stick with 10 furlongs after her strong effort in Ireland, where she was narrowly beaten by Bluestocking.

Elmalka, a surprising 28-1 winner of the 1000 Guineas, finished fourth behind Porta Fortuna at Ascot, leading Roger Varian to step her up on the trip.

Varian expressed anticipation for Elmalka's upcoming race, noting that she is in excellent form and ready for the 10-furlong distance. He mentioned that this race will help determine their plans for the autumn, with entries considered for the Prix de la Opera and possibly the Sun Chariot, depending on her performance in Nassau. He highlighted that Elmalka has performed consistently well throughout the year and that they are eager to see her race.

Ralph Beckett will be represented by two runners: Doha, a daughter of Treve, and Lady Boba, who is returning to a mile and a quarter after two races over a mile and a half.

Beckett noted that Lady Boba is stepping back to a mile and a quarter for the first time this year. He observed that while she travelled well in the Lancashire Oaks, she may not have stayed the distance, finishing third. He praised her as a stakes winner over this distance and mentioned that she was in very good condition.

Regarding Doha, which is owned by the sponsors, Beckett commented that she was somewhat unlucky in her previous race at Pontefract, where she was boxed in at a crucial stage but finished strongly. He added that he has always believed a mile and a quarter would suit her better, given that she is bred to handle a mile and a half, and he is looking forward to her performance as well.