Gosden Hopes to Sound Right 'Opera' Note With Nashwa

Wide draws are often cited as a negative around ParisLongchamp but that hasn't stopped the last two winners of the Prix de l'Opera Longines (G1), both of whom overcame stall 14.

Yet enthusiasm about this year's favorite Nashwa  has presumably cooled following news of her draw in box 13 and her chance is complicated further by a lack of forecast pace in the Oct. 2 race, where she bids for a third successive group 1 prize.

Nashwa has yet to encounter soft or heavy ground, although her dam Princess Loulou  was a listed winner on heavy ground.

Trainer John Gosden said: "She's not drawn the best in 13 from 16, but she's been in good form at home of late and it has always been the plan to come here after Goodwood.

"The ground is an unknown as she's raced on mainly good ground to date, including in the French Oaks (the Prix de Diane) when they said it was good to soft, but it was nearer good ground."

While Nashwa disputed the lead when capturing the Prix de Diane (G1) two starts ago, adopting such a track position in Sunday's 1 1/4-mile event may prove problematic for Hollie Doyle. Her mount was also held up when landing the Qatar Nassau Stakes (G1) last time, and this looks like a better race.

The supplementing of Trevaunance  adds intrigue to the Opera on two counts. Firstly, this unexposed type has a highly progressive profile, and secondly, her impressive success in the Prix de la Nonette (G2) demonstrated her suitability for setting the fractions. She is the only filly in the field with recent front-running form.

"It's a good chance for her to run in a group 1, so we're rolling the dice," trainer Jessica Harrington remarked. "She's always looked a nice filly and has gone from strength to strength in her last few runs."

Trevaunance is drawn in stall 11 and assuming the lead in the early skirmishes will be difficult, but she has the tools to spring a surprise if Shane Foley can position her accordingly. Testing ground is an unknown, but Muhaarar's progeny tend to appreciate ease in the ground.

The only real fancied runner drawn low is Above the Curve  in stall 5, and she has plenty in her favor.

This powerful daughter of American Pharoah   caught the eye from an aesthetic perspective when dwarfing the year-older La Petite Coco  as she moved upsides in the Moyglare Jewels Blandford Stakes (G2) on her return from 105 days off last time.

La Petite Coco eventually threw in the towel, and it is to Above the Curve's credit she found extra when a new challenger emerged in race-fit mare Insinuendo , who re-opposes off two lbs. worse terms.

The negativity surrounding Above the Curve in the market at the Curragh suggests better can be expected at Longchamp and the fact Ryan Moore rides her rather than classic-winning filly Tuesday , also owned by Coolmore, is a major vote of confidence.

British or Irish contenders have won five of the last seven runnings of the Opera and Above The Curve, Tuesday, My Astra , and Trevaunance add further depth to the traveling party.

Moore won the Cazoo Oaks (G1) on Tuesday but instead rides the Joseph O'Brien-trained Above the Curve.

"She's in good shape since she won at the Curragh," said Above the Curve's trainer, Joseph O'Brien. "That set her up lovely for this race, and I'm happy with her draw. I'm a little bit worried about the bad ground for her."

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Tuesday, expects a better effort off a fourth in the Sept. 11 Qatar Prix Vermeille (G1) from his contender.

"She seems to be in very good form," he said. "The last day (in the Prix Vermeille) was a bit of a mess as she had a bad draw and was trapped wide. She seems to have come forward nicely at home since then."

The Prix de l'Opera is a Breeders' Cup Challenge race for the Nov. 5 Maker's Mark Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) at Keeneland.