Undefeadted three year old Rebel Dane proved today that he is ready to take on the big names during the rest of the Sydney Autumn Carnival with a sensational last to first win in the Group 2 $175,000 Royal Sovereign Stakes(1200m) at Rosehill.

Rebel Dane makes it four from four winning the Royal Sovereign Stakes. Photo by Steve Hart.

Rebel Dane put in a remarkable performance to come from last after settling back further in the field than Jason Collett has intended.

“I had a couple of plans going into the race, plan A didn’t go to plan so plan B had to do,” Collet said.

“He tries hard, he’s quite unreal really, I don’t know if I’ve ridden horse like that. He really wants to win you know.”

“I felt confident at the furlong but Nathan’s horse seemed to kick back.”

Nathan Berry on Urquidez looked to have the Royal Sovereign in their keeping but Rebel Dane was able to gather them in right on the line to take his record to four from four.

Winning trainer Gary Portelli now has plenty of confidence as he heads towards some bigger goals and a possible clash with Gai Waterhouse’s super colt Pierro later in the Autumn.

“He might be alright eh,” Portelli said.

“Before the race we thought we would be outside the leader. To be back running last and have to come around the whole field and to do that, mate this might be the best one I’ve ever had, so fingers crossed.”

“There’s some big names to take on from here Pierro etc, I think today, the way he raced today, if things go to plan next time who knows.”

The Group 2 $200,000 Hobartville Stakes(1400m) at Rosehill on March 2 is the next logical step for Rebel Dane where he will meet some of the best three years in Sydney, including Pierro who will be kicking off his Autumn campaign.