(Rebel’s Romance / Coady Media’s Breeders’ Cup Photo from 2022)

McLean’s Selections Review: We went with Rebel’s Romance (11) on top and across the board. We bet with the likes of Shahryar (3), Jayarebe (5), Far Bridge (6), Wingspan (10), Gold Phoenix (12) and Grand Sonata (7). Of course, the 11 won and gave us another win in the two-day program. Unfortunately, like most of the two days, we were split in the Exacta. Rousham Park was 2nd, while Shahryar was 3rd, Gold Phoenix 4th, and Wingspan was 5th. Ugh. Results: 1-0-0.

From the Breeders’ Cup Media Team:

LONGINES BREEDERS’ CUP TURF 

REBEL’S ROMANCE (IRE) — Godolphin’s homebred globetrotting superstar Rebel’s Romance (IRE) became the first horse in history to win the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf in non-consecutive years Saturday, landing the $5 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) in thrilling fashion, holding off Japan’s Rousham Park (JPN) by a neck. William Buick was aboard for the win, while James Doyle (Best Man in Buick’s 2021 wedding) did the honors in 2022 at Keeneland.

“He pulled up well this morning, ate up and the whole team ships out this afternoon,” confirmed trainer Charlie Appleby’s head traveling assistant, Chris Connett.

Godolphin representatives also reported that the 6-year-old seven-time Grade 1 winner will point toward the $6 million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) on April 5, a race he won earlier this year. A start in the $3 million Longines Hong Kong Vase (G1) in the interim, Dec. 8, is undecided. Overall, the 15-time winner from 22 starts increased his earnings to $11,777,574.

Rebel’s Romance became Dubawi’s (IRE) record-tying eighth Breeders’ Cup win as a sire. Curlin, More Than Ready (More Than Looks) and Into Mischief (Citizen Bull) also have an octet of World Championships wins after the weekend’s races.

Appleby won his 11th Breeders’ Cup (27 starters). He also finished second with Cinderella’s Dream (GB) (Maker’s Mark Filly & Mare Turf), third with Notable Speech (GB) (FanDuel Mile) and Aomori City (FR) (Juvenile Turf), and fourth with Beautiful Love (IRE) (Filly & Mare Turf) and Star of Mystery (GB) (Prevagen Turf Sprint). Al Qudra (IRE) (eighth, Juvenile Turf) bumped, clipped heels and lost an iron when finishing the worst of the septet.

 

ROUSHAM PARK (JPN) — “He has been disappointing, but he ran a great race yesterday (finishing second). He came out the race well.” — trainer Hiroyasu Tanaka 

 

SHAHRYAR (JPN) — “He is fine after the race. It was unlucky at the final bends.” — a stable representative said the third-place finisher