Charlie Appleby is aiming for a second Breeders’ Cup Turf victory with Rebel’s Romance after his latest top-level win in Cologne on Sunday.
The six-year-old has been a remarkable asset for the Godolphin team, securing back-to-back Group One victories in Germany two years ago and triumphing at the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland. Although he didn't reach the same heights last season, he has bounced back this year, winning the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan and the Champions & Chater Cup in Hong Kong, before finishing third in the King George at Ascot.
After reclaiming his title in the Preis von Europa under William Buick, Rebel’s Romance will now prepare for a trip to California in early November.
"We’re thrilled to see Rebel’s Romance win the Preis von Europa again. He deserved to get his head back in front after a solid performance in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes," Appleby said on the Godolphin website.
"I believe he will improve from this race as we eased off a bit after Ascot. We typically don’t leave horses undercooked for Group One races, but he wasn’t as fit as he was before his last run. He’s certainly entitled to come on for this, and we’re looking forward to the Breeders’ Cup Turf."