Every so often, a horse comes along that just oozes class from the get-go. Opera Ballo (IRE) might only have two runs under his belt, but he’s already shaping into something pretty special. Trained by Charlie Appleby in those famous Godolphin blue silks, this colt has barely broken a sweat in either of his victories at Kempton – and the comparisons with Notable Speech, last year’s 2000 Guineas winner, are impossible to ignore.

A €600,000 yearling, Opera Ballo boasts the kind of pedigree that makes you sit up and take notice. By the exceptional Ghaiyyath, and out of Dubai Opera, he’s closely related to useful types, and from a family with proven Group-level talent. On paper, the promise was there – and on the track, he’s delivering.

On debut, he was all class. Sent off odds-on, he travelled like a dream and quickened clear without any fuss. But it was his latest run that really turned heads. Stepping up into a stronger race, he looked even better – tanking through the race, looming upsides two furlongs out, and then putting it to bed with that effortless turn of foot. Winning with hand riding says it all. The Timefigure and sectionals back it up too – this wasn’t just visually impressive; the clock loved it as well.

What’s most exciting is that, just like Notable Speech, Opera Ballo seems to be following the same careful path. There’s every chance the team are plotting a Classic route, and on this evidence, why wouldn’t they? He has the pedigree, the poise, and now the performances to suggest we might be looking at one of this season’s top milers.

No frills, no hype – just a really exciting colt who looks destined to go right to the top.

Definitely one to keep firmly on side.