‘Illusion’ Eyeing L’Opera

[Wandering Eyes]

Wild Illusion (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) is likely to sidestep the G1 Yorkshire Oaks later this month and instead be prepared for the G1 Prix de l’Opera on Oct. 7 before a potential appearance at the Breeders’ Cup. Having finished fourth in the G1 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and second in both the G1 Investec Oaks at Epsom and the G2 Ribblesdale S. at Royal Ascot, the Godolphin-owned ‘TDN Rising Star’ was not winning out of turn when claiming Group 1 honours in Thursday’s G1 Nassau S. at Goodwood. The Yorkshire Oaks was mooted as a possible target in the immediate aftermath, but Appleby is keen to stick to a mile and a quarter with Wild Illusion for the time being.

“It is all still quite open,” said Appleby. “We are potentially going to give her a little break. We saw what she can do over 10 furlongs at Goodwood, so what could just be the way forward is the Prix de l’Opera and then the GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. We are probably edging more towards the Opera next now [rather than the Yorkshire Oaks.] Did she not really stay a mile and a half? People can question that, but I think we were beaten by two very smart fillies that have outstayed us.”

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