Opera hits high note in Group 3

Opera Singer powered clear in the closing stages to run out an impressive winner of the Newtownanner Stud Stakes at the Curragh.

Seamie Heffernan tracked the front-running Vive Veuve on his mount before letting her take a narrow lead passing the three pole in the mile contest.

The even-money favourite was asked to stretch clear under two furlong from home and soon asserted, galloping on strongly in the closing stages to post a six-and-a-half length winning margin.

Stablemate Brilliant kept on to take the runner-up spot without ever looking a danger.

“She's a lovely filly and she's had a few lovely runs,” said Aidan O'Brien of the winner.

“She had a lovely run the first day and then the second day she ran a stormer as well. Ryan thought he was going to beat the winner the last day, the line just came a little bit soon but she's come forward lovely.

“These Justifys improve, the minute they go up in distance they take off.”

When asked if the Fillies Mile could be a target he added:- “I'd say she's that kind of filly, straightforward and goes forward.”