Rebel Soldier

It was impossible not to be impressed with the performance that Rebel Soldier put up in winning a Class 2 10-furlong handicap at York on Saturday. Quickly into a nice rhythm in front under Frankie Dettori, he moved nicely into the home straight and picked up takingly when Dettori went for him to come clear under just a hands and heels ride to win, eased down, ears pricked by seven or eight lengths. He had much more in hand over a decent field than the winning margin suggests, and it took Dettori quite a while to pull him up.

This was just the Danehill Dancer colt’s third ever race. After winning impressively over a mile at Lingfield on his racecourse debut in February, he disappointed when favourite for a seven-furlong handicap at Newbury off a mark of 88. That obviously wasn’t his true running, and he appeared to be much happier here stepped up to 10 and a half furlongs anyway, which makes sense on breeding. There is plenty of speed in his pedigree, but he is a half-brother to Fabia, who won over a mile and a quarter as a three-year-old. He saw out this trip well, appearing to get stronger as the race developed. He is in the John Smith’s Cup over the same course and distance on 10th July, but the weights aren’t out for that contest yet, and there is sure to be a significant hike forthcoming. Even so, he is highly progressive, he would be of interest if he took his chance in that contest even off a revised mark, he is that progressive. Actually, he will be of interest wherever he goes next.

12th June 2010

© The Irish Field, 19th June 2010