Rebel King returned to form with a vengeance in the $100,000 Mungrup Stud Sprint (1300m) at Mt Barker on Sunday.

The Universal Ruler gelding was a class above his rivals winning the premier short-course event of the season in the Great Southern.  “He had been unlucky in the lead-ups and wanted the light weight and more ground,” jockey William Pike said.  “It was a matter of keeping him balanced and making sure he didn’t lose focus.”

Rebel King is trained by Darren McAuliffe and, in 40 starts, has earned $605,325 including Westspeed bonuses of $120,000.

Pike settled the winner back in the ruck before powering home to defeat last year’s winner Dream Lifter (Danehill Express) with Red Ora (Due Sasso) third.  “We were pretty confident going into this one,” stable foreman Brian McAuliffe said.  “Everything went to plan so it’s a great result.”

Rebel King is by Scenic Lodge sire Universal Ruler from Rebel Sister (Falbrav).  He’s a younger half-brother to stablemate Rebelson (Snippetson) who earned over $500,000 following Listed victories in the Fairetha Stakes, Aquanita Stakes and Northam Cup.

Rebel Sister is also the dam of Ascot winner Rebel Queen (Universal Ruler) who is in foal to Al Maher.  The mare’s unraced 2yo Rebellionaire (Stratum) won a Belmont trial in October and her latest foal is a yearling colt by Universal Ruler.

Universal Ruler has 16 yearlings entered for the Perth Magic Millions on February 20 & 21.  Among them are Scenic Lodge’s half-sisters to G2 Karrakatta Plate winner Gold Rocks (Lot 151), LR T J Smith Trophy winner Dominicano (Lot 156) and LR Boulder Cup winner Red Blast (Lot 203).

REBEL KING
Presentation of the Mungrup Stud Sprint at Mt Barker
Photo / A-Z Photography