Opera Ballo makes all to thwart Field Of Gold in thrilling Sandown contest

Opera Ballo produced a stunning front-running performance to upset the market leader Field Of Gold in a thrilling two-mile handicap chase at Sandown on Thursday afternoon. The seven-year-old, ridden by champion jockey Brian Hughes, set a strong pace from the outset and refused to be caught despite a sustained challenge from his rival.

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Field Of Gold, sent off the 11-8 favourite following impressive recent form, looked poised to strike turning for home but found the winner still full of running under a strong ride. The margin at the line was a neck, with Opera Ballo prevailing in a photo finish that required a stewards' inquiry before confirmation.

Trainer Emma Lavelle expressed her delight at the result: "Brian gave him a brilliant ride - he committed to the front end and they couldn't get past him. He's a tough little horse and loves Sandown."

The victory provided a welcome boost for the yard following a relatively quiet period, with Opera Ballo having been slightly below form in his previous two starts. Thursday's success was the horse's third career win and first at Sandown, suggesting the unique undulating track suits his jumping style.

Hughes was equally complimentary of the winner: "He's a proper little warrior. When I asked him to dig deep, he found it. The race developed exactly as we'd hoped and he toughed it out."