Rebel’s Romance is likely a more recognized name among racegoers in Dubai, Hong Kong, and the US than he is among UK fans, given that nine of his last 10 races, including five Group One or Grade One victories, have taken place overseas.
Charlie Appleby’s six-year-old gelding has the chance to elevate his status with British bettors significantly this Saturday as he stands a solid 7-2 contender against Auguste Rodin, last year’s Derby champion, in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
Auguste Rodin flopped as the favourite in this race last year, marking his second subpar performance in four races. Although he has shown a bit more consistency since then, achieving six Group One wins, even at his best, he holds only a pound or two over Rebel’s Romance.
He also finished last of 12 behind Rebel’s Romance (3.40) in a competitive Sheema Classic at Meydan four months ago, and the consistently impressive winner there has a game attitude and a straightforward front-running style that complements his talent. William Buick will know precisely what is needed on Saturday, and at roughly 7-2, they certainly hold appeal to overcome any challenges straight down the line.
Ascot 1.50 Simmering sets a solid standard, but there are several promising challengers, including Definitive, who presents a compelling alternative. Few of Clive Cox’s juveniles win on their debut; however, those that do are typically worth following, and Definitive’s comfortable victory at Haydock earlier this month was substantiated by a commendable time.
York 2.05 Returning to this track and trip might again bring out the best in Soul Seeker, a two-time winner of this unique event.
Ascot 2.25 The market seems willing to overlook Friendly Soul’s significant misstep in the Musidora in May, as she holds an evident chance based on her winning form at Newmarket that month. Nevertheless, it feels like a considerable risk at the current odds, especially with Appleby’s unbeaten Devoted Queen presenting a more attractive option.
Quick Guide
Greg Wood’s Saturday tips
Show
Ascot 1.15 Our Terms 1.50 Definitive 2.25 Devoted Queen 3.00 New Image (nap) 3.40 Rebel’s Romance (nb) 4.15 Chancellor 4.50 Bopedro 5.25 Woolhampton
Newcastle 2.00 Sutue Alshams 2.35 Baltic 3.10 Bear Kode 3.50 Bateman 4.25 Martin’s Brig 5.00 Split Elevens 5.30 Musical Diva
York 2.05 Soul Seeker 2.40 Ferrous 3.15 Alflaila 4.00 Mae Amor 4.35 Zozimus 5.10 Theory Of Tides 5.40 Alreet Cha
Chester 2.10 Wiltshire Lad 2.45 Grey Fable 3.20 Lahab 4.05 Warm Spell 4.40 Secret Mistral 5.20 King Of Tonga 5.50 Theoryofeverything
Lingfield 5.15 Red Cloud 5.45 Queen Of Steel 6.15 El Fox 6.45 Zu Run 7.15 Clipsham La Habana 7.45 Smooth Silesie 8.15 Nordic Glory
Salisbury 6.00 Invited 6.30 Media Guest 7.00 Makes Sense 7.30 Moe’s Legacy 8.00 Chourmo 8.30 Hutchence
York 2.40 Ferrous faced a lot of challenges in the Wokingham last time, but he has a better chance based on his earlier performances than the odds of around 16-1 suggest.
Ascot 3.00 Like many of David O’Meara’s recruits, New Image has been improving steadily and seemed to find this demanding seven-furlong distance ideal with a close third-place finish at York last month, aided by Mark Winn’s 3lb claim.
York 3.15 Passenger possesses undeniable potential but appears to be priced too short compared to last year’s winner, Alflaila, who performed commendably in Group One company on his first outing last month.
