Rebel Ready to Rebound in Cluden Return

Cairns trainer Stephen Massingham says punters should keep the faith with former Sydney galloper Dark Rebel when he steps out at Cluden Park tomorrow.

Massingham has a big opinion of the four-year-old and expects him to rebound from a last start loss in Cairns with a strong run in the Class 3 Plate (1200m) with top jockey Justin Stanley to ride.

Dark Rebel opened his northern account with a brilliant first-up win at Cluden in December before a struggling third as favourite at Canon Park.

Massingham said the gelding had subsequently battled a stone bruise but was back fighting fit for tomorrow’s assignment.

“He went ok up here but just didn’t let down like he did in Townsville and there had to be something there troubling him,” Massingham said.

“Within three days of the run he came out with a stone bruise which took a while to come right. I was going to spell him but with all of the rain around we didn’t want to risk him getting any infection in the paddock so he went back into work.

“He’s over his issues and we’ve got him back going well, but in saying that it’s not an easy class 3 race and he’s drawn a tricky gate in 12.

“I’ll leave it up to Justin – hopefully there’s plenty of pace in the race and he can finish over the top of them.

“He’ll probably have one more and then go for a break.”

Dark Rebel is one of three runners for Massingham who will also saddle up  the highly consistent Style Seeker in the Mitavite Cl6 Hcp (1400m) and Battle Cry in the Carlton & United Breweries Open Hcp (1000m).

Style Seeker has finished runner-up at his past two starts at Cluden and Massingham is keen on his chances of adding to the stable’s tally of 32 northern winners this season.

“They had a bit of a wrap on his him down south but he just doesn’t have a turn of foot. There doesn’t appear to be a lot of speed in the race and I’m hoping he can roll along in front and turn it into a staying test,” Massingham said.

“Battle Cry is first-up and normally needs a run or two to find form. But we’re going into the day with a couple of good chances.

“We’ve been picking up a few races with the likes of Sillman, who looks like being pretty smart, and the horses have all been going well.

“It’s been a bit frustrating with some close seconds but we’re looking forward to some of our better horses coming back in soon and getting ready for the carnivals.”

Tomorrow’s seven-event card kicks off at 1.45pm with the Become A Member Today @ Cluden Park Mdn Hcp (1000m).

Pictured: Dark Rebel and Justin Stanley cruise to an impressive win at Cluden in December. The pair will do battle in the Class 3 Plate tomorrow.

See the racing calendar for upcoming race days.