Alexander Goldrun Tops Grey Lilas in l'Opera

Alexander Goldrun headed Grey Lilas one hundred yards from the wire and edged away for a one-length victory in the Prix de l'Opera (Fr-I) for fillies and mares at Longchamp Sunday.

The 3-yearold Irish-bred daughter of Gold Away, winning her first group I, closed from seventh along the inside for jockey Kevin Manning to reach contention two furlongs from home. She continued to chase the leaders until taking over without being extended in the late stages.

It was the first group I win for Manning in France.

Jim Bolger trains the winner, a consistent performer against top company who came off a three-month break in racing.

"I was quite hard on Alexander Goldrun during the early part of the season but it was always the plan to come for this race," Bolger told Racing Post. "I am now going to work on trying to keep her in training next year and I'm fairly optimistic.

"I am not sure whether she will run again this season as she's already done her fair share. I wasn't very happy with her at the beginning of the year but she just keeps on improving and she's very game. There is just a possibility that she could run at Hollywood Park."

The victory was the first group I for her sire Gold Away.

Grey Lilas was 1 1/2 lengths in front of Walkamia, with Yesterday, last year's Irish One Thousand (Ire-I) winner, finishing well to be fourth.

Actrice, Whortleberry, Shapira, Menhoubah, Green Noon and Vallera trailed.

The final time for the 1 1/4-mile event on good going was 2:02.30.