Impressive debut by Rebel King

Impressive Racing’s managing owner Kevin Berry is looking forward to the Magic Millions Perth 2YO Classic with his unlucky first starter Rebel King.

Rebel King (2g Universal Ruler – Rebel Sister by Falbrav) finished third, beaten a length, by Palace Intruder in the Westspeed 2YO Plate (1000m) at Ascot last Saturday.  Beaten jockey Willie Pike lodged a protest against the winner alleging interference on straightening but it was dismissed.

After denying the objection, stewards charged winning jockey Paul Harvey with careless riding.  He was suspended for shifting outwards at the 300m and bumping and unbalancing Rebel King.

“Let’s just say we’re after retribution even if Palace Intruder doesn’t run in the Magic Millions,” Berry declared.  “He was pole-axed then picked himself up and finished as good as anything else on the line.”

Rebel King earned $5,400 and that should be enough to qualify for the $250,000 Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) at Ascot on February 15.  Impressive Racing has been placed in two of the last three Magic Millions with Internationalist in 2011 before Vonlenska & Express Service filled the minors in 2012.

“We’re happy to have a shot at the stumps on Saturday week,” Berry added.  “He has a beautiful temperament and has pulled up well after what was a very eventful debut.”

Rebel King is a first crop youngster by Scenic Lodge sire Universal Ruler.  His dam Rebel Sister has already foaled Rebelson (Snippetson) to Listed victories in the 2012 Aquanita Stakes (1800m) and Fairetha Stakes (1400m).

“We raced Universal Ruler and there’s a real buzz around his first two year-olds,” Berry revealed.  “We’re getting some very positive feedback from trainers.  They can run alright and, apart from our stable, I’m hearing there are lots more in the pipeline ready to come through.”

Universal Ruler (Scenic) defeated Australian Horse of the Year Scenic Blast in the Listed Perth Stakes at two and trained on to a Group 3 victory in the Belmont Sprint.

Scenic Lodge has four Universal Ruler yearlings catalogued for the Perth Magic Millions starting with the colt from Ancient Lights (Lot 10).  He is a half-brother to G2 Villiers Stakes winner Dances On Waves.

Next to parade is the filly from LR Sheila Gwynne Stakes winner Classy Act (Lot 35) followed by the colt from Hollywood Touch (Lot 72).  The latter is a half-brother to Summah’s Touch (Blackfriars) who completed a clean-sweep of the LR Belmont Guineas, Oaks and Classic last year.

The Universal Ruler – Silksworth colt (Lot 376) is another good-looking chestnut from Scenic Lodge.  His dam is a More Than Ready half-sister to Scenic’s LR Seymour Cup winner Panoramic Lad.

Scenic Lodge yearlings will be available for inspection in Rows A, B & C at the Belmont Park sales complex as from next Friday, February 14.