Rakero Rebel (NZ) Speeds into Group One Queen Elizabeth II Mile

Rakero Rebel (NZ) (Rock N Roll Heaven) won her way into the A$200,000 Group One Queen Elizabeth II Mile (1609m) when speeding to victory in the A$50,000 Group Three Robin Dundee Stakes (1609m).

The NZB Standardbred graduate was precariously placed before the home turn at Menangle on Friday night, but her brilliant turn of foot carried her to victory for trainer Jess Tubbs and driver Greg Sugars.

Rakero Rebel joins an outstanding line up of NZB Standardbred graduates who are set to make a big impact on Saturday’s Group One Queen Elizabeth II Mile.

Joining Aardie’s Express (NZ) (Always B Miki), Braeview Kelly (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight), Illavabubbles (NZ) (Always B Miki) and Manhattan (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) in Australia’s biggest mares race.

Rakero Rebel was purchased for $22,000 by Dawe Contracting when she was offered at the 2020 National Yearling Sale at Christchurch among the Dancingonmoonlight draft.

The mare showed talent in New Zealand before heading to join the Jess Tubbs stable after her sale to a group of Australian owners.

Rakero Rebel has established herself as one of Victoria’s best mares, and on Saturday night she produced her first win in New South Wales.

From barrier 1, the pacer was soon locked away three back on the markers in the Robin Dundee Stakes.

Sugars weaved Rakero Rebel between runners on the home turn before she burst along the inner to score in an impressive 1.51.1 time.

Defending Group One Queen Elizabeth II Mile winner Braeview Kelly sealed her shot at defending her race title with her third placing behind Rakero Rebel.

The NZB Standardbred graduate was a brilliant winner of the event last year for trainer-driver Jack Trainor.

Trainor has qualified three mares for the Group One feature this year and all three are NZB Standardbred graduates, with Manhattan and Aardies Express joining Braeview Kelly in the event.