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| Staff Writer |
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Defending champion Rebel's Romance heads back to Qatar seeking a repeat triumph in Saturday's Gr.3 H H The Amir Trophy, as the Charlie Appleby-trained veteran kicks off his 2024 campaign at Al Rayyan.
The Godolphin flag-bearer crafted an exceptional 2023, starting with a commanding victory in this contest before ascending to higher peaks. His subsequent exploits yielded prestigious wins in the Gr.1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan and Hong Kong's Gr.1 Champions & Chater Cup.
Despite a gallant third behind Goliath and Bluestocking in Ascot's Gr.1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the Dubawi gelding bounced back emphatically. A gutsy display secured Germany's Preis von Europa before his historic Breeders' Cup Turf victory over Rousham Park, making him the first to claim non-consecutive renewals.
Fresh from earning the Champion Older Turf Male accolade at the Eclipse Awards, Rebel's Romance stands just one Group One victory shy of equalling Anamoe's Godolphin record.
Appleby exudes confidence: "It's great to see Rebel's Romance head back to Qatar for another crack at this race and he goes there in great form. He's a year older now and taking on some younger legs, but he continues to display all the enthusiasm that he has shown in the past. Like last year, this looked the ideal starting point to his campaign."
The Moulton Paddocks handler strengthens his Qatar hand with promising 3YOs Al Qudra and Age Of Gold in the Gr.2 Al Rayyan Mile.
Al Qudra, a Listed winner who claimed silver in Canada's Gr.1 Summer Stakes, recently chased home Hallasan in the Jumeirah Guineas Trial. Age Of Gold arrives fresh from mastering that rival in the Jumeirah Stakes.
"Al Qudra was a bit fresh in the Jumeirah Guineas Trial, when he displayed all the signs that he would come forward for the run. He has shown that to be the case at home since and looks one of the classier horses in the field," notes Appleby.
"Age Of Gold runs well fresh and it was always the plan to head here after his win at Meydan. He has done very well since and brings a good level of form into the race. It's a big field, with some nice European form on show. We are hoping both horses should be very competitive provided they get a clear run."