Fortune favours Opera star
Jimmy Fortune gave Opera Gal a masterful front-running ride to make every yard in landing the toteexacta August Stakes at Windsor today.
The 11-4 second-favourite had market leader Elusive Pimpernel tracking her every move for a long way, but Eddie Ahern's mount folded tamely two furlongs out.
Having quickened matters at the half-mile pole, Fortune had clearly saved some petrol as his mount was ultra-game when pressed through the final furlong and a half by Sirvino, having a ready two and three-quarter lengths in hand at the line.
Winning trainer Andrew Balding told At The Races: "She's very tough, Jimmy gave her a lovely ride. She's as tough as teak and could go on from this.
"They broke the track record when she was second last time at Salisbury - she doesn't know when to give in and it's lovely to win a Listed race with her."
