Opal Tiara on top at York

Opal Tiara became a winner for Qatar Racing and The Sweet Partnership at York's Ebor meeting yesterday.

The Mick Channon-trained four-year-old stepped down in class from Stakes company to a fillies' handicap, and duly won in good style (pictured below) under Oisin Murphy.

Quoted in today's Racing Post, Channon says: ‚"We didn't have the best draw, but I'm very pleased as she's a good filly. The best horses usually win when the ground is good, fast, consistent ground. We'll have to step her up in class now, but this was too good an opportunity to miss.‚"

Pallasator and Pearl Secret one a stayer, one a sprinter head to York today when they tackle the Gr.2 Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup(14.30) and Gr.1 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (15.40) respectively. Both races form part of the QIPCO British Champions Series.

The Sir Mark Prescott-trained Pallasator ran a cracking race when second in the Gr.2 Goodwood Cup on his latest start, and today's small field of just seven runners could play to his strengths if the exertions on the Sussex Downs have not left a mark. Trip To Paris is rated superior on BHA ratings, but Pallasator finished ahead of Wicklow Brave, Quest For More and Curbyourenthusiasm at Goodwood, and on that evidence should finish ahead of them again today.

Pearl Secret also ran a super race at Goodwood, finishing seventh to Take Cover in the Gr.2 Qatar King George Stakes, but finishing fastest of the field after a troubled run from an unhelpful draw.

Trainer David Barron is concerned that stall 3 today again leaves Pearl Secret ‚"out on the wing‚", although he admits it might be the right place on this occasion. In stall 2 is Goldream and stall 4 is Darley July Cup winner Limato, so Pearl Secret is in good company, and with a clear run he could make the places. It is often said the older sprinters all get their day in the sun, and Pearl Secret is certainly due one.

Oisin Murphy rides the two York runners, while Freddy Tylicki is on board the Ralph Beckett-trained Singing Sands, who carries top weight in a nursery at Salisbury this evening (18.35).

Photo of Opal Tiara winning at York yesterday: Laurence Squire