1m2f Prix de l’Opera Longines (Group 1) (3yo+ Fillies & Mares) (Grande Course) (Turf) (3yo+)
In possibly the most competitive race of the day, I don’t believe there is a standout pick. Sparkling Plenty could really benefit from the drop back to 1m 2f and softer ground having been highly tried over 1m 4f in the Vermeille last time out. She is a huge danger, but I really like the profile of the progressive HANALIA. She probably doesn’t have as much strong form in the book as some of the market principles, but this daughter of Sea The Stars looks to be a steadily progressive improver.
Hanalia was 6th in the Irish Oaks over 1m 4f which is probably a trip that just stretched her stamina levels, but she seems to stay the 1m 2f trip exceptionally well evidenced by her last to first victory in the Group 2 Blandford Stakes last time out went sent off a big price. That run suggested to me that she hasn’t finished improving yet. She should love the conditions and could be peaking at the right time for this race having only had six starts in her career so far. A draw in stall 4 couldn’t be better and I really like her chances.
1pt win Hanalia @12/1, 16:05 Longchamp, Sunday
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