Charlie Appleby is confident that experience can come to the fore when his ever-reliable ally Rebel’s Romance returns to Del Mar in search of a historic third success in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
It’s hard to think about the Breeders’ Cup without Appleby joining the conversation, such is the Moulton Paddocks handler’s skill at the end-of-season World Championships.
However, Rebel’s Romance has earned his own place in Breeders’ Cup history with his achievements, becoming the first horse to regain the Turf title, while adding to his 2022 Keeneland success at Del Mar 12 months ago.
After joining Conduit and High Chaparral as two-time winners of the mile-and-a-half race, the globetrotting favorite will once again grace California with his presence on November 1, when he bids to become the first three-time winner of the $5 million event.
“Rebel’s Romance and Notable Speech will be the two main horses but we will have a few more,” Appleby told the PA news agency as he assessed this year’s hand for a meeting where he had 11 winners from fewer than 30 runners.
“We know there will be younger legs than Rebel’s Romance, but in the Breeders’ Cup and on those types of circuits you can’t beat experience and he has it in abundance.”
Seven-year-old Rebel’s Romance prepared for his final appearance at the Breeders’ Cup by recording the twentieth success of his decorated career in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic in the hands of Frankie Dettori late last month.
That was his ninth win at the top level and while he may be approaching the veteran stage of his career, Appleby is content to let the popular tough guy continue to ride the waves of the international racing scene as he remains a force at the top.
“He’ll tell me when it’s time to stop,” Appleby continued. “People have often asked me this question and I have always said that the day he no longer has any of the first three is probably him saying he has raised his white flag.
“He doesn’t owe us anything, but as long as he enjoys it, we’ll allow him to keep doing it.”
Rebel’s Romance was out in full force and given the T-shirt when it comes to the Breeders’ Cup, but teammate Notable Speech will be hoping it is his turn to make headlines as he helps lead the Appleby team and take a second stab at the Breeder’s Cup Mile.
Last year’s 2000 Guineas winner finished third in the $2 million event 12 months ago but appears to have regained his spark in recent months after a near miss in the Prix Jacques le Marois saw him take top honors at the Woodbine Mile.
Meanwhile, El Cordobes could join Rebel’s Romance for the Turf, who won the Sword Dancer Stakes and finished third behind his illustrious stablemate in the Joe Hirsch, after switching attention to America in recent months.
“Notable Speech came out of Woodbine well and we will also keep an eye on El Cordobes as he ran a solid race behind Rebel’s Romance last time and as we all know, in Del Mar you just need luck,” continued Appleby, revealing the possible composition of his team.
“As far as two-year-olds go, we’ll just see how the horses I’ve run at Woodbine are. Dance To The Music will probably run at Newmarket in the Fillies’ Mile, but the colt (Wild Desert) will probably go to Del Mar and hopefully has a bit of luck on his side after gaining experience last time.
“I might look at the Filly & Mare with Diamond Rain and Cinderella’s Dream will be in the mix for that as well, while we have a military code for the (Juvenile Turf) Sprint and I think that race might suit him.”
For Appleby himself, the Breeders’ Cup has proven crucial for the Godolphin handler who has established himself on the world stage and he enjoys the annual temporary escape from Newmarket to test his training skills in warmer climes.
“I think it’s great and everyone can see that we are enjoying going to the Breeders’ Cup,” said Appleby.
“I think it’s a great meeting and they organize it well. It’s one of the international meetings where everyone is present and can make a big impact.
“We know when you go to Del Mar you have to be lucky and get the draws and all that, but no matter what, you go there, accept your draw and do your best. It’s a meet that we like to support and where we have runners and most importantly, we try to have a winner there.”
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