With six fancied runners at the 27th Dubai World Cup program this Saturday, champion trainer Charlie Appleby will be represented across four races. Multiple wins for the Godolphin handler would not surprise, given his unerring consistency whenever and wherever he saddles his horses.
There is always one question reporters can't help asking of a top trainer before they send out several high-profile runners at a showpiece meeting: which one are you most excited about?
But instead of any probing, the information arrives unprompted.
“Rebel's Romance is the one I am most looking forward to,” Appleby volunteers.
The Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic boasts a truly stellar cast headed by Equinox, Japan's reigning Horse of the Year; last year's winner Shahryar, also from Japan; Irish Derby hero Westover and, among others, Mostahdaf who was so dominant in the Neom Turf Cup in Riyadh last month.
It speaks volumes that Rebel's Romance receives Appleby's top-billing in the face of such competition, but his rationale is simple.
“He is unbeaten in five starts over a mile and a half on turf, three of those at Group 1 level, including a Breeders' Cup,” he explains. “You can't really ask for much more than that.”
The Dubawi gelding already has victory at this meeting on his record – successful in the UAE Derby in 2021 – and hopes are clearly high for another with the trainer undeterred by Rebel's Romance missing his intended start on Super Saturday owing to a minor inflammation.
“Ideally, he would have had a race start leading into the big night, but he did a racecourse gallop ten days ago and we were delighted with that,” he says. “It's a race of real strength in depth with formlines all over the world coming together, but he's a terrific horse who has done nothing but improve as he has got older.”
Appleby unleashes two in the Group 1 Dubai Turf, namely Nations Pride and Master Of The Seas, with stable jockey William Buick opting to ride the former.
“Nations Pride is a very solid and straightforward horse,” he continues. “You can pop him anywhere. He is a strong traveler over further so dropping back to nine furlongs won't be a problem and I'd have no worries if he led.
“We were impressed with how he won the Dubai Millennium Stakes last month over 10 furlongs. His preparation has been good.
“Master Of The Seas, on the other hand, needs the pace on to get his head down and the reason William is riding Nations Pride is because he is that bit more versatile tactically. It was a bit frustrating for Master Of The Seas in the Jebel Hatta last time when he was an unlucky loser. The early part of the race was a bit messy, he got shuffled back before finishing very strongly.
“But he's always been a very good horse. He was a short head second in his 2,000 Guineas, so he definitely has the ability to be right in the finish if things drop right.”
Appleby is doubly represented again in the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup, via Siskany and Global Storm.
Appleby says: “Siskany comes here on the back of a win over one mile six furlongs [2,800 metres] last month. I see he is favorite on the early markets and I think he's a worthy favorite. He is in very good order, he has that course experience, he is drawn to get the cover he needs and he has very good acceleration.
“He has never gone two miles before so it's possible the petrol gauge will be flashing towards the end, but his class should take him a long way.”
“As for Global Storm, he won the City Of Gold on Super Saturday when he was ridden forward. I'd expect he races fairly close to the pace again and he can take a sit if others want to force the pace.
“It will be his first time over the distance, but he was strong at the finish over 12 furlongs on Super Saturday and there is plenty of stamina on his dam's side of the pedigree. He won't look out of place in a very competitive race.”
Completing the sextet is Al Suhail in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint down the Meydan straight.
Appleby concludes: “Al Suhail is going back to six furlongs. He has only tried it once, at Ascot last year but he did too much in front on softish ground and we can draw a line through that.”
“We have always felt this race would suit him. He certainly won't lack pace and he is in great order. I think the draw could be a deciding factor in what looks a very open race.”
The post Breeders’ Cup Winner Rebel’s Romance Takes On Dubai Sheema Classic In 2023 Debut appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
