Preis von Europa win puts Rebel’s Romance on path to Breeders’ Cup

Rebel’s Romance continued his resurgence on turf with a second G1 victory in Germany over the weekend, this time beating highly regarded three-year-old Sammarco in the Preis von Europa.

That success looks set to be rewarded with a trip back to the United States for the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland in November. Rebel’s Romance travelled out for last year’s Belmont Stakes but was a late scratching for the Triple Crown race – won by Essential Quality – with a leg infection.

Godolphin’s European squad for the Breeders’ Cup is starting to take shape, with Modern Games and Mysterious Night both securing their places with G1 wins in Canada. Botanik and recent Middle Park Stakes fourth Mischief Magic are also in the frame for the meeting.

Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile contender Cody’s Wish looks to spearhead the US-based runners, with Speaker’s Corner hoping to book his spot in the same race with victory in this Saturday’s G3 Ack Ack Stakes at Churchill Downs.

James Cummings celebrated his 1,000th winner for Godolphin on Sunday as Picarones took the opening race at Sandown-Hillside. The trainer came agonisingly close to reaching the landmark 24 hours earlier in the G1 Golden Rose, when In Secret was headed close home by Jacquinot.

Eternal Pearl continued her fine season with victory in the G3 Princess Royal Stakes at Newmarket’s Cambridgeshire meeting, a win that teed up a tilt at the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes on Champions Day.

Juvenile filly Mawj acquitted herself well when coming home third in the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes, while Siskany bounced back to form by winning the Listed Godolphin Stakes at the same meeting.

Siskany has been leading Adayar in his work at home and last season’s Derby and King George VI Stakes hero remains in contention for this Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, although rain in Paris could yet see him wait for the Champion Stakes instead.