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Rebel’s Romance edges out Kemari for a second time in G3 Glorious Stakes

Racenews

Rebel’s Romance maintained a perfect start to his turf career as he beat Kemari for a second successive time in the G3 Glorious Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on Friday, 29 July.

Both Dubawi four-year-olds had met over the same 12-furlong trip in the Listed Fred Archer Stakes at Newmarket in June, when Rebel’s Romance comfortably reeled in Kemari before going on to score by nearly four lengths.

Kemari was again sent on into the lead by Frankie Dettori, with Rebel’s Romance held up in fifth under William Buick. The pace increased as Kemari kicked for home in the straight and last year’s G2 Queen’s Vase winner found more in front, seeing off Fancy Man passing the two-furlong pole.

Rebel’s Romance laid down a strong challenge and loomed up to join Kemari with just over a furlong to race. Kemari rallied bravely before Rebel’s Romance asserted close home for a length success as the Charlie Appleby-trained duo pulled clear of Fancy Man in third.

Alex Merriam of Godolphin said: “William was delighted with Rebel’s Romance. He said he was a classy professional in the race and has seen it out well. The pace ideally could have been a little bit faster for him, but William said that once he got rolling, he has picked up and done it nicely.

“That is only his second run on turf. He won the UAE Derby and we sort of went down the dirt route this year thinking that might be his way forward. It didn’t quite work out, so Charlie brought him back to the turf last time at Newmarket and it seems to have gone well.

“I spoke to Charlie and he said today was the target. He has seen that out well, so there is the possibility of stepping up to a mile and six furlongs. We will let the dust settle and see how we go from there.

“Kemari won a Queen’s Vase last year, so he is a horse with plenty of ability. He got a nice lead in front and kept galloping away. Again, he might be one to step up in trip.”