Rebel’s Romance aimed at Ascot en route to another American adventure Rebel’s Romance is being prepared to defend his Hardwicke Stakes crown at Royal Ascot before Charlie Appleby once again sets his sights on conquering America with his globetrotting superstar. One of the most popular performers on the level in recent years and a firm favourite of all close to Moulton Paddocks and Godolphin, the eight-year-old registered the 21st victory of his glittering career when striking on Meydan’s ‘Super Saturday’ card in late February. However, he subsequently bypassed an eagerly awaited clash with Calandagan back in Dubai on World Cup night, with his trainer indicating top hats and tails will be required for the stalwart’s next port of call at the Royal meeting in June. Appleby told the Press Association: “He’s heading to the Hardwicke. I didn’t think he could beat Calandagan in the Dubai Sheema Classic which is why we didn’t take him over there for World Cup night and I think the Hardwicke is the right spot to start him back off again.” Rebel’s Romance has won three times stateside down the years, including twice in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, narrowly failing to pick up a third victory in that particular race at Del Mar last November. It appears he could be crossing the Atlantic again this summer with Appleby targeting a trip to Saratoga for the Sword Dancer – now named in honour of the race’s leading trainer, the late Christophe Clement – and a race the Newmarket handler won for the first time with El Cordobes in 2025. Appleby added: “My long-term plan is to try and win the Sword Dancer in America. I’ve always wanted to win the race with him and we tried it a couple of years ago (in 2023) but he never got there after clipping heels in the trial race for it. “It would be a nice race to go and win with a horse like him.”
