Rebel’s Romance Targets Repeat Win in Preis von Berlin

The European racing calendar offers a high-class Sunday program with major Group 1 action in Germany and France. The focus in Germany will be on Godolphin’s internationally successful runner Rebel’s Romance as he returns to Hoppegarten for the 135th Grosser Preis von Berlin, aiming to secure his second win in the race after taking the 2022 edition.

The Preis von Berlin (G1) over 12 furlongs is set for 15:40 local time and has attracted a field of six. The Charlie Appleby-trained Rebel’s Romance (Dubawi) has seven victories at Group 1 level and arrives following a strong third in the G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

Rebel’s Romance heads to Germany with a proven record and will start as the overwhelming favourite in the Grosser Preis von Berlin. Among his rivals, Junko (Intello) has twice claimed Group 1 success over this distance but would need the Godolphin star to underperform to secure the prize. The local hopes are led by Narrativo (Adlerflug), runner-up in the G2 Grosser Hansa-Preis. Cold Heart, Straight, and Nastaria complete the line-up.

Appleby’s Rebel’s Romance has taken home big wins in many lands, and a win here could make him stand out as one of the best at mid-range races. Many see this race as a key highlight ahead of the next big horse racing event on the European calendar.

At Deauville, the €380,000 Prix Maurice de Gheest (G1) will be contested at 16:05 over 6½ furlongs. Defending champion Lazzat (Territories) leads the betting after defeating both Inisherin (Shamardal) and Topgear (Wootton Bassett) in Royal Ascot’s G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.

Trainer Yann Barberot has prepared Lazzat specifically for this race in an attempt to secure back-to-back victories. Woodshauna (Wooded) is regarded as the main danger following her career-best win in last month’s G1 Prix Jean Prat. She should hold her edge over Shadow Of Light (Lope De Vega), who was third in the 2000 Guineas earlier in the season, although fast ground may be less suitable for him.

British sprinter Regional (Territories), trained by Ed Bethell, has placed in three Group 1 events this season, including the G1 King Charles III Stakes. This will be his first attempt beyond six furlongs and could test his stamina. Beauvatier, Sajir, and Tribalist bring Group-level experience but must improve to trouble the top pair.

The 17:15 Prix Daphnis (G3) for three-year-olds over a mile offers a platform for promising runners. Unbeaten Scoville (Too Darn Hot) makes his black-type debut after a dominant 14-length win at Newmarket. Trained by William Haggas, he faces tougher opposition here, including Silius (Dubawi), a three-time winner this season who has also placed twice at this level.

Al Aali (City Light) steps back in distance after contesting the G1 Prix du Jockey Club. He came in second at the G3 Prix de Guiche in May and may do better with a return to one mile. Others like Sahlan, Selenien, and Khafiz show strong form at home and could stand out if the setup suits them.

Fans are watching closely to see whether Rebel’s Romance can deliver again before the next big horse racing event later this season. If the Godolphin runner produces his best, Rebel’s Romance may not only dominate here but also solidify his standing among the sport’s elite. Many believe Rebel’s Romance is already one of the finest middle-distance horses in training, but a win here would leave little doubt.

The 13:56 Prix Moonlight Cloud (Listed) over six furlongs for three-year-olds features several horses coming down in class from Group 1 competition. Daylight (Earthlight), last year’s G3 Prix de Cabourg winner and a dual Group 1-placed performer, now competes at a lower grade after credible runs in the G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches and G1 Prix Jean Prat.

Misunderstoond (Hello Youmzain), a G3 Prix des Chenes winner and third in the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, also returns with something to prove following an unplaced effort in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains.

Dos Mukasan (Golden Horde) finished ahead of Misunderstoond in that Longchamp classic but has since been gelded and unplaced in two subsequent runs. Fraise Des Bois and Secret Wood have both contested pattern races, though they will need to raise their level to feature prominently here.

With Rebel’s Romance seeking to reaffirm his international standing in Berlin and Lazzat attempting to secure consecutive victories in the Maurice de Gheest, the day presents several key storylines in European racing. In addition to the headline acts, rising names such as Scoville and proven campaigners like Daylight bring depth to the supporting races.

Reports say the weather and land will be good. This should let most racers do their best. While top horses look strong in the plan, fast races can often end in ways we can’t guess. Where you are and when you move can make or break it.

Fans of racing will see great champs and new stars in Germany and France, making for a day full of top races.