Brendan Duke: It could pay to play on Operatic Export at Leopardstown

It’s an interesting card at Leopardstown on Sunday. There are three Group races including the Group 3 Amethyst Stakes, Derrinstown Stud 1,000 Guineas and Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial.

One that gets the punting juices flowing though is Operatic Export in the fillies handicap (16.00). She won a maiden at the course in August. She beat a solid yardstick that day in Fire Fly. There was a bit of word about before her seasonal bow last month in a 1,000 Guineas Trial. It was easy to see why.

She had done particularly well physically over the winter. I was expecting a big run. She finished last. I can’t believe that was her running. She steps up in trip on Sunday from 7 furlongs to 10 furlongs. That will likely suit. Her dismal return should ensure we get decent odds. A mark of 92 could easily underestimate her.

It’s worth chancing that she can bounce back.