Bought for $35,000 to win a maiden hurdle at Warrnambool, the 6yo Rebel Raider gelding Rebel Racer made every post a winner in Monday's $302,250 Group II Adelaide Cup at Morphettville.
Ridden by Craig Newitt for Amy and Ash Yargi, Rebel Racer looked beaten six times in the straight but kept kicking to grind out a short-neck win over the last start Launceston Cup winner Aurora's Symphony (Glass Harmonium) with Amade (IRE) (Casamento) three-quarters of a length back in third
In three starts for the Yargi stable, Rebel Racer finished second over 2500m at Moonee Valley before winning over 3000m on the same track on February 24.
Previously with Mark and Levi Kavanagh, Rebel Racer advances his record to five wins, seven seconds, and two thirds from 31 starts with earnings of $ $370,800
"I can't believe it. I bought him to win a maiden at Warrnambool, and I'm not even joking," an emotional Ami Yargi revealed.
"I told everyone I thought he was a good chance. They wrote him off, and I can't believe what just happened.
"He has just kept improving and has been crying out for a trip. I have to thank Mark Kavanagh; he told me to buy him – so thank you, Mark.
"We paid $35,000 for him, and I nearly stopped at $32,000 and went one more because I thought he is beautiful, and I'm bloody glad I did.
"We have schooled him (over the jumps) a few times, which may have been the turning point for him."
Rebel Racer proved the pin-up boy for the Magic Millions yearling sale.
Passed in short of his $50,000 reserve when offered by Mill Park 2018 Magic Million Adelaide Yearling Sale, Rebel Racer was a $35,000 purchase at the 2023 Inglis January (Early) Online Sale.
Bred by The Toorak Thoroughbred Breeding Trust, Rebel Racer is the lone winner from four to race for the stakes-winning Alannan mare Just Sybil.
Just Sybil has a yearling filly by Sir Prancealot (IRE) and foaled a Churchill (IRE) filly last spring.
Rebel Racer is the ninth stakes winner for Victoria Derby and South Australia Derby hero Rebel Raider, who died suddenly at 14 at Wyndholm Park in 2019 due to a ruptured aorta.
