Black Opium Sheds Group 1 Bridesmaid Tag In Style

AUSTRALIA’s premier female sprinter Black Opium has landed an elusive group 1 victory in Thursday night’s Sapphire Crown Final at Sandown Park.

AUSTRALIA's premier female sprinter Black Opium has landed an elusive group 1 victory in Thursday night's Sapphire Crown Final (515m) at Sandown Park.

But the daughter of Black Magic Opal had to do it the hard way, edging out gallant kennelmate Aston Silk in the drive to the line to score by three-quarters of a length in 29.57.

Going into the $50,000 to-the-winner finale as the raging hot favourite on the strength of last week's devastating 29.20 heat victory, everything pointed towards the three-time group 1 runner-up being too classy for her opposition.

And it was that class that shone through in the latter stages of a gripping group 1 finale, with Black Opium and Aston Silk fighting out the finish, delivering trainer Jason Thompson the Sapphire Crown quinella.

"It's a huge relief," declared an elated Seona Thompson.

"Like I said before the race it wasn't about us; we just wanted it for her. She's had an awesome career and to win a group 1 is something she deserved and now she's been able to do it.

"The race panned out how we thought. Being in box four she went in last which wasn't ideal but when I saw her get through into second I thought she'd be too strong late for the other girl (Aston Silk) who ran great."

Thursday night's first prize spiraled Black Opium's stake earnings to half-a-million dollars, with her record reading a remarkable 25 wins from 49 career appearances.

And while the winner deserves all the accolades, the performance of runner-up Aston Silk was equally meritorious, carving out sections of 5.03 and 18.82 before being shaded late in 29.57.

Origami Angel finished a gallant third for Matt Lanigan, just 20 minutes after he guided underrated sprinter Vivatar into next week's Group 1 Harrison-Dawson Final with a rails hugging box one victory. 

But the night belonged to Black Opium and a deserved group 1 success.

Owned by the See The Dream syndicate, comprising brothers Bill and Serge Buccilli, Black Opium's stud value further soared with tonight's slashing group 1 victory.

Her future pups near priceless.

 

 

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