The Grade 2, $1.25 million Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn features Speed King, Sandman, and Tiztastic, who were the top three finishers in the Southwest (G3) last month. The race offers qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby 2025, making it a crucial event for the 3-year-olds. Coal Battle, who has won three consecutive stakes races, will be stepping up to graded company for the first time in the Rebel.
Madaket Road, trained by Bob Baffert, will be looking to rebound from a third-place finish in the Robert B. Lewis (G3) in his last start. Bullard, who has been successful in sprint races, will be trying two turns for the first time in the Rebel. Innovator, with the most experience in the field, will be aiming to improve on his third-place finish in the Lecomte (G3) last month.
The Rebel Stakes will be the 11th race on Saturday’s Oaklawn card, with a full field of 14 3-year-olds set to compete. The race is scheduled for 1 1/16 miles on the Oaklawn dirt track, with the winner earning 50 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. The event is expected to be a competitive and exciting race with several top contenders vying for victory.
