Rebel Draws Big And Talented Field
Rebel Draws Big And Talented Field
A superb field of sophomore prospects will fill the field in the weekend feature at Oaklawn Park, in the $600,000 Rebel S. (G2). This lucrative event is the major local prep for the $1 million Arkansas Derby, and this field is simply loaded with contenders, most from the powerful stables in racing. The Bob Baffert-trained Super Ninety Nine was a most facile winner of the Southwest S. (G3) in convincing fashion and has morphed into a different animal since stretching out in distance in his last pair. The son of Pulpit has trained well since and must be considered the one to beat on an oval he’s proven upon.
Lecomte S. (G3) romper Oxbow came back with a solid fourth in the competitive Risen Star S. (G2) most recently and surely gets a long look in this spot for trainer D. Wayne Lukas. The well-bred son of Awesome Again should be plenty fit following a trio of two turn races and must be on the ticket. Todd Pletcher’s Delhomme could make his 2013 debut in this race, last seen finishing a game third in the Remsen S. (G2) in a very good field. The son of Dixie Union has improved with each lifetime start and appears to have a very bright future. Carve was a very nice allowance winner on this oval first time off the claim, and while the lightly raced son of First Samurai lacks the class of some of these, he could be a sleeper at a price.
San Vicente S. (G2) Treasury Bill has run two big ones in succession for conditioner Ron Ellis and could be any kind in his two-turn debut on this occasion. Grade 1-placed Capo Bastone, the speedy Big Lute, Smarty Jones S. victor Will Take Charge, dynamic maiden winner Tiz the Truth, the dual stakes placed Always in a Tiz, Lukas’ Titletown Five and Smarty Jones S. hero Texas Bling, add to the depth of this fine cast of three-year-old Derby hopefuls.
Also on Saturday is the $150,000 Azeri S. (G3), with surging Bayakoa S. romper Don’t Tell Sophia, defending champ Tiz Miz Sue, sharp allowance heroine Songs and Sonnets and Bayakoa runner-up She’s All In, the likely ones to beat.