Rebel's Romance, one of Godolphin's most prolific superstars with nine top-level successes around the world, has been retired following his victory in the July 9 Princess of Wales's Stakes (G2) at Newmarket.
Receiving what was described by one person involved in the sale as "an offer he could not refuse," Al Gold suppressed his heavy heart and sold Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Napoleon Solo to Espoir USA for an undisclosed, but no doubt staggering, sum.
Luster, coming off her first graded stakes victory in the June 27 Selene Stakes (G3) at Woodbine, figures to shine when she battles six other Canadian-bred 3-year-old fillies in the July 19 Woodbine Oaks.
An overflow field is entered July 19 for the $225,000 Quick Call Stakes (G3T) at Saratoga Race Course, and all eyes will be on those returning from layoffs, such as Johnny's Red Storm, Ewing, and Bobrovsky.
Grass racing rules a powerful portion of the Del Mar product, which will be on display July 17 through Labor Day, Sept. 7. Of the 21 graded stakes scheduled over the 32-day summer meet, 10 have been earmarked for the turf.