TRUE REBEL BREAKS THROUGH AT GEELONG

True Rebel took an important step forward at Geelong, breaking through at just his second race start with a strong victory over 1525m.

Ridden by Billy Egan, the three-year-old settled just behind his main danger before moving up to challenge in the straight. While still showing signs of inexperience, True Rebel gradually wore down his rival to get the better of him late.

Trainer Danny O’Brien was pleased with the progression from the lightly raced gelding, while acknowledging there is still plenty for him to learn.

“He is progressing nicely, but he still has much to learn as he didn’t really put that rival away until really late,” O’Brien said.

“He will likely be a blinker horse eventually, but right now he needs to learn how to race and today was a good step forward.”

Being by sire Rebel Dane, O’Brien expects True Rebel’s best racing will ultimately be around the mile, with his Geelong performance another encouraging step in his education.

Egan was also impressed by the natural ability True Rebel displayed despite his lack of racecraft.

“He still doesn’t know what he is doing and is not that competitive,” Egan said.

“He is doing it all on natural ability at the moment, but when he understands what it is all about he will be a nice horse.”

With just two starts under his belt, True Rebel remains very much a work in progress, but his maiden victory showed there is plenty of ability there and O'Brien is sure to test him in better races during the Spring.

Pic by Racing Photos