Opera to hit the heights at Goodwood

Charlie Appleby's patient approach with Opera Ballo can pay dividends in the Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes on Friday at Goodwood.

The son of Ghaiyyath made quite a splash in winning his first two starts on the Kempton all-weather, blazing home by 8.5-lengths on his maiden debut before following up with another stylish 4-length success when upped to conditions company.

Appleby felt Opera Ballo deserved a shot at a Classic trial after that, but he finished a well-beaten sixth behind Field Of Gold in the Craven after racing far too keenly and the trainer decided to take a step back into Listed company the next time.

Opera Ballo duly returned to winning form in the Heron Stakes before adding another decisive victory at that level at Newmarket's July meeting, with the application of a hood seemingly doing a fine job in curbing his enthusiasm.

This represents a different test again but Opera Ballo appears to be maturing with each outing and it will be disappointing if he does not continue his progression here.

Asfoora put up a staunch defence of her King Charles III Stakes title at Royal Ascot, but ultimately the lack of prep run on British shores appeared to tell as she came home fifth behind American Affair.

Trainer Henry Dwyer had shipped his stable star earlier in the campaign last year, fitting in an initial outing at Haydock before her famous Ascot success, but travel issues meant that was not an option this time around.

Beaten two lengths on the big day, Asfoora just did not have that extra gear at the finish but that first run since April should have sharpened her up nicely and she can go one place better than last year's short-head second in the King George Qatar Stakes.

Treasure Time's withdrawal from the Coral Golden Mile certainly boosts the chances of Skukuza, with Ryan Moore engaged by Ed Dunlop for his hat-trick seeker, who is 8lb well-in on official figures.

The aforementioned Appleby can also hit the target at Newmarket with Beckford's Folly after a really promising victory at the track last month.

Green on debut when fourth, he put that experience to good use when quickening away from Rydale Frosty and the Up EBF Novice Stakes looks a good opportunity for this Gimcrack entry. - Press Association

TAB is betting on 6 UK meetings on Friday. Here are the tips.

GOODWOOD: Race 1: 14.20 Align The Stars, Race 2: 14.55 Opera Ballo, Race 3: 15.30 Skukuza, Race 4: 16.05 ASFOORA (NAP), Race 5: 16.45 Haunted Dream, Race 6: 17.20 Old Is Gold, Race 7: 17.55 Grecian Legacy.

NEWCASTLE: Race 1: 15.05 Matt Cool, Race 2: 15.40 Paper Doll, Race 3: 16.15 Blazing, Race 4: 16.53 Willingly, Race 5: 17.30 Tanjen, Race 6: 18.07 Front Gunner.

SOUTHWELL: Race 1: 15.15 Irish Dancer, Race 2: 15.50 Si Solus, Race 3: 16.25 Aspire To Glory, Race 4: 17.05 Lumenbourg, Race 5: 17.40 Mayo County, Race 6: 18.15 Harswell River, Race 7: 18.50 Haazeez.

MUSSELBURGH: Race 1: 18.37 Crystal Guard, Race 2: 19.10 Starintime, Race 3: 19.45 Kunaa, Race 4: 20.18 Castan, Race 5: 20.48 Due Respect, Race 6: 21.20 Lunar Power, Race 7: 21.50 Hard Nut.

NEWMARKET: Race 1: 18.45 Beckford's Folly, Race 2: 19.20 Saytarr, Race 3: 19.55 Bell Shot, Race 4: 20.27 Aeolian, Race 5: 20.57 Emily Rebecca, Race 6: 21.30 Left Over Love.

BATH: Race 1: 18.55 Seconds Count, Race 2: 19.30 Banana, Race 3: 20.05 Zipwire, Race 4: 20.35 Hardlass, Race 5: 21.05 Virtual Hug, Race 6: 21.35 Galactic Glow.

ALL TO COME: Opera Ballo and Asfoora (Goodwood, Races 2 and 4).