Rebel’s Romance was sent to the lead a quarter mile from the finish and held off the charge from Rousham Park to win the G1 Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf by a half-length at Del Mar on Saturday, 2 November.
The globetrotting son of Dubawi has now won the Breeders’ Cup Turf twice, having captured this event at Keeneland in 2022. Rebel’s Romance has now won seven G1 races worldwide.
Breaking alertly under jockey William Buick, Rebel’s Romance was settled just off the pace, content to track the early leader, Cabo Spirit. Heading through the stretch for the first time, Buick moved Rebel’s Romance up closer to the pace, as he ran in tandem with Far Bridge just behind Cabo Spirit.
Traveling smoothly down the backstretch, Rebel’s Romance was asked for more on the far turn and easily took command entering the homestretch. Well clear entering the final furlong, Rebel’s Romance was able to hold off a final surge from Rousham Park to win by a half-length.
A Godolphin-homebred, Rebel’s Romance is the second G1 winner bred by the Street Cry mare Minidress this year after Measured Time’s victory in the G1 Jebel Hatta at Meydan. Minidress also has a full-brother yearling colt to Rebel’s Romance.
Dubawi is the sire of 32 individual Black Type winners so far this year. Of those, four are G1 winners. In addition to Rebel's Romance, Notable Speech and Ezeliya are both Classic winners and Master of the Seas landed the G1 Maker's Mark Mile at Keeneland.
