Meydan: Opera Ball, Heart of Honor and Imperial Emperor Headline the Night

They captured the Al Rashidiya (G2), the The Entisar (L) and the Al Maktoum Mile (G2), respectively, on a spectacular night of racing

Imperial Emperor landed the Al Maktoum Mile / DRC

The opening salvo of the Dubai Racing Carnival delivered far more than just winners. It delivered statements. And among the clearest of them was the one made by Opera Ballo (Ghaiyyath), who confirmed his status as a colt of genuine distinction with an authoritative victory in the Al Rashidiya Stakes (G2) over 1800 meters on the Meydan turf, immediately stamping himself as a name to follow on the road to the Dubai Turf (G1).

Trained by Charlie Appleby, he found the perfect stage on which to showcase his talent. Ridden with confidence by William Buick, always under cover and traveling sweetly in third, Opera Ballo responded instantly when asked to quicken a little more than 200 meters from the wire. The response was devastating: he surged clear without resistance and hit the line three lengths to the good of Nations Pride (Teofilo), the accomplished four-time G1 winner who had no answer to the freshness and upside of the victor, as Godolphin filled the trifecta.

“His biggest challenge is himself,” Appleby explained, neatly summing up the colt’s journey so far. “William had to get him behind horses and help him relax. He was entitled to improve in terms of fitness, and the most logical next step is the Jebel Hatta (G1). After that, we’ll see if he’s ready for the big night.”

Buick, once again a central figure at Meydan, echoed that assessment. “The race set up perfectly for him. Having cover was crucial stepping up in trip. We came here to learn something and to teach him something, and I think we achieved that. We’ve always felt he was top-class, and tonight he gave a very clear signal that he’s heading that way.”

The program also offered a key pointer toward the Dubai World Cup (G1) through the Entisar Stakes (L), where the 3-year-old Heart Of Honor (Honor A.P.) confirmed that his projection is very real. Despite not being favored by a steady tempo, the Jamie Osborne trainee finished with purpose under Saffie Osborne, powering past Walk Of Stars (Dubawi) and the consistent Artorius (Arrogate) with authority.

“I honestly thought I’d be last down the back,” the jockey admitted. “When I asked him around the turn, I realized how lazily he’d been traveling. Today he showed a level of quality that doesn’t always make itself felt. He was relentless.” His trainer summed it up, half in jest but fully convinced: “The dream is still alive.”

In the feature of the evening, the Al Maktoum Mile (G2), Imperial Emperor (Dubawi) spearheaded a commanding stable trifecta for Bhupat Seemar, reaffirming his value as a major piece of the winter puzzle. With Tadhg O’Shea managing matters expertly, the 5-year-old settled the issue with authority and left the impression that there is still more to come. “Coming back to a mile was key, and there are still a few screws to tighten,” Seemar noted, already considering another step up in distance.

It was a particularly fruitful night for Buick, who collected four victories, including Mysterious Night (Dark Angel) in the Business Bay Challenge (L), Cover Up (Exceed and Excel) in the Ertijaal Dubai Dash (L), and the promising By The Book (Frankel), who impressed in the Dubai Racing Club Classic and reinforced the sense that Godolphin once again has both depth and firepower to dominate the season.

Among the Purebred Arabians, the French-bred Muraad (Thakif) made a strong impression when landing the Maktoum Challenge Round 1 (G1), while Labwah (Charlatan) and Raajehh (Complexity) added further color to a night that also showcased new faces and projects very much in the making.

All told, Meydan came out of the gate at full throttle, delivering a high-voltage evening in which some names confirmed their credentials and others began to write their stories. The road to the biggest nights is now well underway—and Opera Ballo, lights fully on, is very much part of the picture.