Shadow Of Light leads trio targeting G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest glory
Shadow Of Light makes a second straight appearance at Deauville for Charlie Appleby after finishing a close fourth in a blanket finish to last month's G1 Prix Jean Prat.
Winner of the G1 Middle Park Stakes and G1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes in 2024, the Lope de Vega colt was third behind Ruling Court in this season's G1 2,000 Guineas before finding the ground too fast in the G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, in which he was fifth.
Shadow Of Light stands out as one of Godolphin's brightest prospects—a homebred colt boasting an exceptional pedigree and a track record of success at Group 1 level.
Stablemate Symbol Of Honour has notched up four wins over six furlongs in the UAE and the UK this season, including gamely taking the G2 Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock Park in May.
The son of Havana Grey was beaten around three lengths in total when coming home eighth in Newmarket's G1 July Cup on his latest outing.
Tribalist is the most experienced runner in the field, although the Farhh entire has spent the vast majority of his career over a mile, notably defeating a top-class field in last season's G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp.
Trained by Andre Fabre, Tribalist has lined up over six furlongs at Deauville in the last two renewals of the G3 Prix de Ris-Orangis and finished third after making the running in this year's edition in July.
Charlie Appleby said: 'We are slightly watching the weather for both horses, who head to Deauville in good shape.
'Symbol Of Honour ideally wants a sound surface, whereas Shadow Of Light wouldn't want it too quick.
'Shadow Of Light has run solid races all year without getting his head in front, and this should be a nice distance for him. We are hopeful that, if he can run up to his best two-year-old form, it will make him very competitive.
'Symbol Of Honour ran a very creditable race in the July Cup and I feel that the six and a half furlongs here will be a good trip for him,' he added.
Louise Benard of Godolphin said: 'Tribalist's optimum trip is slightly further than this distance, but we were very happy with his run in the Prix de Ris-Orangis, when he had a good lesson over Deauville's straight course. He will probably be ridden at a pace where he is comfortable, and we are hoping for the best against some strong opposition.'
Dance To The Music seeks Sweet result at Newmarket: Promising debut winner Dance To The Music is set to take a significant step up in both class and trip as she lines up for the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket's July Course on Saturday.
The talented two-year-old daughter of Dubawi, and full-sister to Group 1 Prix de la Foret winner Space Blues, made an eye-catching start to her career with a composed victory in a six-furlong fillies' maiden on the Rowley Mile back in May.
Despite showing signs of inexperience, she managed to power through the field and claim victory by a length—an effort that has since gained even more credibility with form being franked by her rivals.
Trainer Appleby is confident that the step up to seven furlongs will bring out even more in the progressive filly. Speaking ahead of the race, Appleby said: 'The form of Dance To The Music's maiden win has worked out well and stepping up to seven furlongs will definitely suit. She looks in great order and should be a leading player.'
With her pedigree, performance, and preparation all pointing in the right direction, Dance To The Music will be one to watch closely as she takes on some of the most promising fillies of her generation in what promises to be a competitive renewal of the Sweet Solera Stakes.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
09-08-2025
- Gulf Today
Shadow Of Light leads trio targeting G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest glory
Champion Two-Year-Old Shadow Of Light, emerging sprinter Symbol Of Honour and G1-winning miler Tribalist provide Godolphin with three strong chances in the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest on Sunday. Shadow Of Light makes a second straight appearance at Deauville for Charlie Appleby after finishing a close fourth in a blanket finish to last month's G1 Prix Jean Prat. Winner of the G1 Middle Park Stakes and G1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes in 2024, the Lope de Vega colt was third behind Ruling Court in this season's G1 2,000 Guineas before finding the ground too fast in the G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, in which he was fifth. Shadow Of Light stands out as one of Godolphin's brightest prospects—a homebred colt boasting an exceptional pedigree and a track record of success at Group 1 level. Stablemate Symbol Of Honour has notched up four wins over six furlongs in the UAE and the UK this season, including gamely taking the G2 Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock Park in May. The son of Havana Grey was beaten around three lengths in total when coming home eighth in Newmarket's G1 July Cup on his latest outing. Tribalist is the most experienced runner in the field, although the Farhh entire has spent the vast majority of his career over a mile, notably defeating a top-class field in last season's G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp. Trained by Andre Fabre, Tribalist has lined up over six furlongs at Deauville in the last two renewals of the G3 Prix de Ris-Orangis and finished third after making the running in this year's edition in July. Charlie Appleby said: 'We are slightly watching the weather for both horses, who head to Deauville in good shape. 'Symbol Of Honour ideally wants a sound surface, whereas Shadow Of Light wouldn't want it too quick. 'Shadow Of Light has run solid races all year without getting his head in front, and this should be a nice distance for him. We are hopeful that, if he can run up to his best two-year-old form, it will make him very competitive. 'Symbol Of Honour ran a very creditable race in the July Cup and I feel that the six and a half furlongs here will be a good trip for him,' he added. Louise Benard of Godolphin said: 'Tribalist's optimum trip is slightly further than this distance, but we were very happy with his run in the Prix de Ris-Orangis, when he had a good lesson over Deauville's straight course. He will probably be ridden at a pace where he is comfortable, and we are hoping for the best against some strong opposition.' Dance To The Music seeks Sweet result at Newmarket: Promising debut winner Dance To The Music is set to take a significant step up in both class and trip as she lines up for the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket's July Course on Saturday. The talented two-year-old daughter of Dubawi, and full-sister to Group 1 Prix de la Foret winner Space Blues, made an eye-catching start to her career with a composed victory in a six-furlong fillies' maiden on the Rowley Mile back in May. Despite showing signs of inexperience, she managed to power through the field and claim victory by a length—an effort that has since gained even more credibility with form being franked by her rivals. Trainer Appleby is confident that the step up to seven furlongs will bring out even more in the progressive filly. Speaking ahead of the race, Appleby said: 'The form of Dance To The Music's maiden win has worked out well and stepping up to seven furlongs will definitely suit. She looks in great order and should be a leading player.' With her pedigree, performance, and preparation all pointing in the right direction, Dance To The Music will be one to watch closely as she takes on some of the most promising fillies of her generation in what promises to be a competitive renewal of the Sweet Solera Stakes.
Khaleej Times
26-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
Calandagan storms to King George glory, reinforcing Dubai Racing Carnival form
The Dubai Racing Carnival has once again proven its global significance as a launchpad for elite racing success, with French favourite Calandagan storming from behind to capture the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 1) at Ascot on Saturday. Ridden confidently by Mickael Barzalona, Calandagan upstaged Juddmonte's Kalpana and Godolphin's Rebel's Romance inside the final furlong to seal a dramatic win in Britain's richest all-aged flat race worth £1.5 million. In doing so, he became the fourth French-trained winner of the race this century and delivered back-to-back victories in the King George for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, following Goliath's triumph last year. The victory also marked redemption for Calandagan, who had finished second to Japan's Danon Decile in the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai earlier this year, further underlining the Dubai World Cup Carnival's reputation as a proving ground for global champions. Class and Timing The 11-10 favourite had also narrowly missed out on Group 1 success last month when edged by Jan Brueghel (who finished fourth on Saturday) in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. But this time, Calandagan's class and timing were undeniable. Barzalona, Godolphin's retained rider in France, tactically bided his time at the back of the five-horse field as Ryan Moore attempted to steal the race from the front aboard Jan Brueghel in a highly tactical renewal of the 2,400 metre contest. But with Rebel's Romance boxed in on the rail and William Buick desperately searching for daylight, and Kalpana forced wide, Barzalona found a perfect passage and capitalised on it for a maiden success in the contest. 'We know his quality, and though the ground was quicker, he's one of these top-class horses,' said Barzalona. 'Once I saw Continuous (5th) beside Jan Brueghel and Rebel's Romance trapped, I was happy where I was. I just followed Oisin [Murphy, on Kalpana] and waited for the right moment.' The victory also marked redemption for Calandagan, who had finished second to Japan's Danon Decile in the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) earlier this year, further underlining the Dubai World Cup Carnival's role as a proving ground for global champions. Rebel's Romance: Unlucky in Defeat Despite the small field, the race was not without drama for Rebel's Romance, the Dubai-owned superstar and Godolphin's most successful horse in history. Hemmed in for much of the race on the running rail, the son of Dubawi was only able to find an opening in the final furlong. But even though he shifted gears readily, it was a case of too little, too late, and he could only manage a fast-closing third. Even in defeat, Rebel's Romance continues to stand tall, with 18 career victories, including 14 in Group races and seven at the top level. His elite wins span continents, from North America and Germany to Hong Kong and Dubai, where he claimed the 2023 Dubai Sheema Classic. Trained by Charlie Appleby, Rebel's Romance was attempting to become the fifth Godolphin-trained winner of the King George, following legends such as Swain (1997 & 1998), Daylami (1999), Doyen (2004), and Adayar (2021). While Saturday didn't yield another title, his place in the stable's storied history is long secured. Meanwhile, Kalpana's gallant runner-up finish has seen her odds slashed for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, now sitting at 8-1 (from 16-1) with most major bookmakers. The Juddmonte-owned filly, trained by Andrew Balding, showed she belongs at the top level and is clearly on an upward trajectory. King George to become UK's richest race In a landmark announcement made on Saturday, it was confirmed that the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes will become Britain's richest race in 2026, with a prize fund increased to £2 million. First run in 1951, the Midsummer Group 1 remains a highlight of the Flat season and has been won by greats including Nijinsky, Shergar, Dancing Brave, and Galileo.
Khaleej Times
25-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
Godolphin's globetrotting legend Rebel's Romance chases historic King George crown
The eyes of the global racing world will turn to Ascot on Saturday, July 26, as Rebel's Romance, the most prolific horse in Godolphin's storied history, lines up in the Group 1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, seeking a historic first British top-level victory to add to his glittering international résumé. The £1.5 million midsummer highlight at Ascot is not just the richest all-aged flat race in Britain; it is a battleground of champions, a race where legacies are written, and reputations either crowned or crushed. For Dubai-owned Rebel's Romance, trained by Charlie Appleby, the 2025 edition offers another chance to cement his name in the British record books. With 18 career wins, including 14 in Group company and a remarkable seven at the top level, Rebel's Romance has already secured his place in history as Godolphin's winningest horse of all time since the stable was created in 1993. His Group 1 triumphs stretch from North America to Germany, from Hong Kong to Dubai, where he stormed to victory in the 2023 Dubai Sheema Classic. And yet, one prize continues to elude him: a Group 1 victory on British soil. That could change on Saturday. Appleby Upbeat 'Rebel's Romance goes into this in great order,' said Appleby. 'There was plenty of strength in depth in this contest 12 months ago, when he ran a good race, and it looks a similarly strong renewal this time around. 'He is taking on younger opposition again, but, wherever he finishes, the others will know that they have had a race.' Indeed, Rebel's Romance ran an admirable third in last year's King George and returns to Ascot in flying form. Three wins from four starts this season include a commanding performance in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes over the same course and distance at Royal Ascot in June, a clear signal of his readiness. This is a race that holds special resonance for Dubai racing fans. The King George has previously been won by legendary Godolphin runners like Swain (1997 & 1998), Daylami (1999), Doyen (2004), and Adayar (2021), while other Dubai-owned stars such as Postponed and Poet's Word have added their names to the honour roll. It all began in 1988 with Mtoto, the first Dubai-connected horse to capture the race. Rebel's Romance now carries the royal blue silks into that elite company. But the road to glory won't be easy. Rival Loom Among his key rivals is heavily fancied Calandagan, representing France, who returns to Ascot off a Group 1 breakthrough in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, the colt seeks to emulate stablemate Goliath, who won this race last year. Ireland's challenge is led by Jan Brueghel, the 2024 Coronation Cup winner and reigning St Leger champion. Only one horse, Conduit in 2009, has pulled off the rare St Leger–King George double in recent years. Trainer Aidan O'Brien strengthens his hand with Continuous, Lambourn, and Whirl - each a Group winner, each a potential spoiler. British hopes rest partly on Kalpana, the Juddmonte filly who impressed in last year's Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, while rounding out the field is Green Impact, a lightly raced contender from Jessica Harrington's yard in Ireland. Saturday's King George is more than just a big-money clash. It's a mid-season summit of elite middle-distance talent colliding for supremacy. For Rebel's Romance, a Group 1 crown in Britain would not only be the ultimate homecoming triumph but a fitting jewel in an already glittering crown.
