Rebel's Romance is a last-minute scratch for the Sheema Classic
- Turf Diario
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Godolphin crack, the natural rival to Calandagan, will not be part of the field next Saturday at Meydan
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Special for Turf Diario).— The anticipated battle between two of the best stayers of the moment has come to nothing. The extraordinary Rebel’s Romance, one of the great globetrotters of modern racing, will not be part of the field this Saturday in the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) on Dubai World Cup night, as confirmed by Godolphin, creating an immediate impact on the race’s outlook.
The 8-year-old veteran, trained by Charlie Appleby, arrived as one of the main contenders and second favorite in the betting (3-1), trailing only the fearsome Calandagan (Gleneagles), who now stands as the clear dominant force in the preview. Furthermore, his absence deprives the public of one of the most attractive duels of the day at Meydan.
The son of Dubawi, winner of no fewer than 9 G1 races, had just confirmed his immense consistency only weeks ago when he prevailed with total authority in the Dubai City Of Gold (G2) during Super Saturday. That was the 21st victory of his career, a brilliant trajectory started in 2020 that has led him to accumulate more than £12 million in earnings, including two conquests in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1).
However, his logistical routine once again played a decisive role. Unlike other horses that remain at Appleby's training center in Dubai during the season, Rebel’s Romance usually returns after each commitment to Moulton Paddocks in Newmarket, and he did so after his last triumph. This time, he did not travel back to the United Arab Emirates with the European contingent, which ultimately confirmed his withdrawal.
The race thus loses one of its great protagonists, though it does not lack stars. Among them appears Giavellotto(Mastercraftsman), the pupil of Marco Botti, who will look to take advantage of the new scenario. His trainer expressed confidence:
“He traveled very well and we are very excited about the race. Last time in Qatar he should have won the Amir’s Trophy, but he was boxed in, and by the time he found space, it was too late,” he explained.
The forced change of jockey will be another factor. Without Oisin Murphy, who is suspended, or Andrea Atzeni, committed in Hong Kong, the chosen one will be James Doyle, a guarantee in this type of engagement:
“He is a top-level jockey and we hope he can work with him during the week,” Botti added.
Without Rebel’s Romance, the Sheema Classic loses some of its luster, but it opens the game to new possibilities. What seemed like a stellar duel is now transformed into a race where Calandagan looms as the rival to beat... and where others will seek to exploit the void left by a champion who, even in his absence, remains a focal point.
