Rebel’s Romance, eternal at Meydan on a night of resilience in Dubai
- Turf Diario
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
The Godolphin horse added the 21st victory of his campaign in the Dubai City of Gold (G2), on a strange night of racing
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Special for Turf Diario).- In a weekend marked by geopolitical tension in different parts of the Gulf, with episodes linked to the situation in Iran that raised attention in the region, Dubai decided to move forward. And the Emirates Super Saturday at Meydan was not only held normally: it offered one of the most brilliant meetings of the Carnival.
The great protagonist was the stainless Rebel’s Romance. At 8 years old, the 9-time Group 1 winner added the 21st victory of his campaign by prevailing in the Dubai City of Gold (G2-2,410 m, turf). Under the guidance of William Buick, he traveled always with powerful action, took the lead upon turning the final corner, and held off Fort George(Territories) by 1 1/2 lengths.
“It's hard for me to get emotional, but I love him. I just wanted him to come back healthy,” admitted Charlie Appleby, aware that every presentation of the veteran is a privilege. The City of Gold grants qualification for the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) —which he already conquered in 2024— although Appleby avoided committing: “We will go race by race. He is an old warrior and we must take care of him.”
If Rebel’s Romance was the individual banner, the squad of Simon Crisford and Ed Crisford was the collective phenomenon. The duo signed an unforgettable hat-trick.
First, Quddwah (Kingman) dominated the Singspiel Stakes (G2-1,800 m, turf). With Ryan Moore in the irons, he positioned himself behind a slow pace and finished with authority to beat Dividend (Kodiac) by 2 1/2 lengths. The Dubai Turf (G1) looms as the next objective.
Thirty-five minutes later came the most shocking blow: Meydaan, a son of Frankel, debuted on dirt and crushed the Al Maktoum Classic (G2-2,000 m, dirt), surpassing the multiple G1 winner Walk Of Stars (Dubawi) by 5 1/4 lengths. The victory opened the door to the Dubai World Cup (G1). “Every work on the dirt was better than the last,” explained Ed Crisford.
The finishing touch was the Jumeirah 2000 Guineas (L-1,600 m, turf), where Title Role (Too Darn Hot) overcame the favorite Talk Of New York (Wootton Bassett) with a firm closing run, also with Moore.
The one who didn't seem to realize he was racing was the Argentine Legalaized (Dabster), who bid farewell to this season finishing at the back of the pack very far off, without showing any action at any moment. A frustrating moment for the colt of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum.
In the Mahab Al Shimaal (G3-1,200 m, dirt), El Nasseeb confirmed his rise by defeating the defending champion Tuz(Speightstown) and Dark Saffron (Flameaway), heading toward the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1).
Brazilian Silvestre de Sousa highlighted that the strong pace favored his final rush. There, the Chilean Mufasa(Practical Joke) reached a meritorious third place, closing from far back.
The team of Bhupat Seemar found consolation in the Burj Nahaar (G3-1,600 m, dirt), where Commissioner King(Commissioner) showed natural speed to prevail by four lengths and secure a spot in the Godolphin Mile (G2).
The day included the victory of the filly Piana (Zelzal) in the Jumeirah 1000 Guineas (L-1,600 m, turf), providing another surprise for the stable of Nicolas Caullery, while Native Approach (Too Darn Hot) took the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint (G3-1,200 m, turf) after dropping in distance and taking advantage of his natural momentum.
In the 1000 Guineas, Brazilian jockey Francisco Leandro almost pulled off the upset with the Irish filly Sweet Sunshine (Iffraaj), prepared by the Argentine William Segovia, who finished third only head and head away from the winner.
In a regional environment charged with sensitivity, the postcard was powerful: Meydan illuminated, active stands, and a world-class spectacle unfolding normally. Turf, once again, demonstrated its capacity for resilience.
And in the center of it all, a veteran named Rebel’s Romance reminded that greatness does not depend on the calendar or the context. It simply appears when the horse crosses the wire first.
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