By Sean Cronin
Yeguada Centurion's Blue Rose Cen (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}–Queen Blossom {Ire}, by Jeremy) had failed to fire in two starts after notching a Classic double in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and G1 Prix de Diane, but was pitch-perfect in Sunday's G1 Prix de l'Opera Longines at ParisLongchamp to secure for a fourth elite-level triumph in game fashion.
Last term's G1 Prix Marcel Boussac heroine was supported down to favouritism in the betting market and broke on the lead from the inside stall before accepting a tow in third in this “Win and You're In” for the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf next month. Slipping to fourth at halfway, the crowd's 17-10 pick made smooth progress out wide in the straight to regain control entering the final furlong and ran on strongly under a late drive to hold the rallying effort of Jackie Oh (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) by a neck. Lumiere Rock (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), another who raced to the fore, finished one length adrift in third.
“This filly is incredible,” beamed trainer Christopher Head. “The season has been long and difficult for her, but she has always responded well. I am delighted to have the chance to train her and this win really means something to me. She has known combats like this and to see her shine again at this level is incredible. Aurelien Lemaitre succeeded in moving her to the outside because it can be a little treacherous on the rail. It was a beautiful ride and a beautiful race. We ran her in the [G1] Prix Vermeille in order to see her ability at the [12-furlong] distance. We now know what her limit is and we have her in a good position for us to make a plan for next year. Her last two outings did not worry me and we have seen her tested at Goodwood and over 2,400 metres. Her owner loves a challenge and we will discuss the next step, but she could be entered for the Breeders' Cup.”
Owner Leopoldo Fernandez Pujals added, “For me, this win is very special and the understanding with Christopher Head is perfect. There is lots of discussion between us and we are perpetually dissatisfied. He started as a trainer when I threw myself into it as a breeder and we have grown together.”
Reflecting on the effort of runner-up Jackie Oh, Aidan O'Brien said, “We are very happy and the filly performed really well. She will be seen next at Ascot over 12 furlongs [in the G1 British Champions Fillies & Mares].”
Lumiere Rock's jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle was satisfied with the run of his filly and added, “She ran well over a the 10-furlong distance, which she appreciated, but she would have perhaps preferred softer ground. She's achieved Group 1 black type and that is perfect.”
She's back! Blue Rose Cen lands the Group 1 Prix de l'Opera Longines at @paris_longchamp for @lemaitre60LA and @CHeadRacing! pic.twitter.com/DpLLruBkFw
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 1, 2023
Pedigree Notes
Blue Rose Cen is the lone representative of G3 Park Express S. and fellow GIII Santa Barbara S. victrix Queen Blossom (Ire) (Jeremy), herself the leading performer out of the G3 Silver Flash S. third Mark Of An Angel (Ire) (Mark Of Esteem {Ire}). Mark Of An Angel is a granddaughter of multiple South African winner Grey Angel (GB) (Kenmare {Fr}), whose exploits include two Grade 3 victories and running seond in the G1 Gosforth Park Fillies & Mares Challenge. The January-foaled bay hails from the family of GI Arlington Washington Futurity hero Well Decorated (Raja Baba) and the prolific sire Distinctive (Never Bend).Queen Blossom has a weanling colt by Frankel (GB) to come.
Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France
PRIX DE L'OPERA LONGINES-G1, €500,000, ParisLongchamp, 10-1, 3yo/up, f/m, 10fT, 2:03.71, g/s.
1–BLUE ROSE CEN (IRE), 123, f, 3, by Churchill (Ire)
1st Dam: Queen Blossom (Ire) (GSW-Ire & US, $220,859), by Jeremy
2nd Dam: Mark Of An Angel (Ire), by Mark Of Esteem (Ire)
3rd Dam: Dream Time (GB), by Rainbow Quest
O/B-Yeguada Centurion SLU (IRE); T-Christopher Head; J-Aurelien Lemaitre. €285,700. Lifetime Record: 12-8-1-0, €1,589,850. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Jackie Oh (Ire), 123, f, 3, Galileo (Ire)–Jacqueline Quest (Ire), by Rock Of Gibraltar (Ire). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. O-Triermore Stud, Mrs J Magnier & M Tabor; B-C O P Hanbury (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien. €114,300.
3–Lumiere Rock (Ire), 123, f, 3, Saxon Warrior (Jpn)–Last Gold (Fr), by Gold Away (Ire). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (55,000gns Ylg '21 TATOCT). O-Michael O'Flynn; B-The Last Partnership (IRE); T-Joseph O'Brien. €57,150.
Margins: NK, 1, HF. Odds: 1.70, 11.00, 8.30.
Also Ran: Al Husn (Ire), State Occasion (GB), Excellent Truth (Ire), Jannah Rose (Ire), Darkaniya (Fr), Stay Alert (GB), Muskoka (Ger), Rogue Millennium (Ire). Scratched: Crown Princesse (Fr). Video, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
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