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Europe Racing News
Monday, August 28 2023
Prix de lOpera next for Via Sistina

Group 1 winning mare Via Sistina will return to France in the Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp for her next outing.

The daughter of Fastnet Rock was narrowly denied by Mqse De Sevigne in a thrilling finish at Deauville in the Group 1 Prix Jean Romanet, having won the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh earlier in the season.

The five-year-old has produced her best form over ten furlongs on softer ground, and is likely to experience her ideal conditions in the 1m2f Prix de l'Opera over 'Arc' weekend at Longchamp.

"We were obviously delighted to see her produce what was arguably another career-best really," said Boughey.

"The Fabre filly looks progressive and I think we were arguably unlucky in defeat. She was in front a long time as we just wanted to have a clear run at it.

"I think we'll go straight to the Opera on Arc day and I think we'll probably ride her with a little bit more patience. We're always learning in this game and I think just holding on to her a bit longer and using that wicked turn of foot over that trip will suit.

"The Opera has been a long-term target for a long time. The Romanet was the immediate target and is possibly the one that got away, but we're very proud of her.

"She's finished first, second and third in three Group Ones this year, having won a Group Two beforehand, so she's been a real star for us."

A step up in trip could be on the cards post-Longchamp, with Via Sistina entered in both the 1m4f British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes and the 1m2f British Champions Stakes at Ascot on 21 October.

"Hopefully we've got another run or possibly two if she turns up on Champions Day. I think it would be very exciting to see her run on very soft ground as it usually is at Ascot," added Boughey.

"We've put her in the Champion Stakes and the Fillies And Mares and I know we ran her over a mile in the Falmouth, but if it did look the right spot for her, I would be interested to see her dropped out stone cold last over a mile and a half on soft ground and waited with.

"She's by Fastnet Rock out of a Galileo mare, so there's a chance she might stay, and the fillies' division would look notably weaker than the Champion Stakes."

Posted by: AT 02:34 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
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