Weekend Watch: Oaklawn's Rebel Stakes card holds the spotlight
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Each weekend, Horse Racing Nation previews the top races to tune into coast to coast and runs down the main contenders. All times are Eastern.
Saturday
Aqueduct, Race 3: 2:40 p.m.
Multiple graded stakes placed Sower tops a short field in the Correction Stakes loaded with Linda Rice trainees. She began her year with a second in the Interborough Stakes, gaining the lead then getting nailed late. Multiple stakes winner
Laurel, Race 5: 3:12 p.m.
Twisted Tom will be looking for his first win of the season when he breaks from the rail in the Harrison E. Johnson Memorial Stakes
Oaklawn, Race 4: 3:43 p.m.
Not a stakes race, sure, but the top runners from this event for 3-year-olds looking for their second win could very well produce a starter in a final Derby prep. Dessman should go favored, while Todd Pletcher, who doesn't have a stakes runner entered for Saturday at Oaklawn, did ship in recent maiden winner Last Judgment.
Laurel, Race 8: 4:43 p.m.
Alwaysmining tries two turns for the first time in the Private Terms Stakes. This gelded son of Stay Thirsty has been quite productive and looks primed to continue his four-race win streak for trainer Kelly Rubley. The winner of this race will likely proceed to the Federico Tesio Stakes in April, a “win and you’re in” race for the Preakness.
Oaklawn, Race 7: 5:21 p.m.
The Grade 2 Azeri Stakes might have drawn a small field, but it is certainly loaded. Four out of the six runners are Grade 1 winners, including Elate, who enters off a significant layoff, and Midnight Bisou, who was easily the second best three-year old filly last year. This should really get the season going for this exciting division with Shamrock Rose stretching to two turns here as well. They'll be looking to take on Monomoy Girl next time in the Apple Blossom (G1) back at Oaklawn.
Gulfstream, Race 11: 5:37 p.m.
Jala Jala and Tequilita meet again in the Grade 2 Inside Information Stakes. Tequilita received the morning line favoritism despite finishing third to Jala Jala’s second in the Royal Delta (G3) in their last outing. There is other talent to be found, however, in the form of grade three winner Teresa Z and recent allowance winner Pink Sands. This could be the last we see of Tequilita, who is due to breed with Street Sense.
Oaklawn, Race 8: 5:57 p.m.
The Grade 2 Rebel Stakes' first division features undefeated Grade 1 winner Improbable, and there's little reason to discuss the race beyond the chestnut son of City Zip. The Bob Baffert trainee is easily the class of the field and should come away with yet another win.
Oaklawn, Race 9: 6:29 p.m.
Millionaire Giant Expectations drops into the Essex Handicap after running third in his season debut, the San Pasqual (G2). No need to be embarrassed about that finish, as he was beaten by the late Battle of Midway and McKinzie, who's now pointing to the Santa Anita Handicap (G1). That last effort should have him nice and sharp for this spot, though other runners in this event -- including Oaklawn specialist Sonneteer -- will certainly have a say in the matter.
Oaklawn, Race 10: 7:06 p.m.
Division two of the Rebel Stakes features undefeated, three time grade one winner and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champ Game Winner. Also making his seasonal debut, this colt could give Baffert a clean sweep of this year’s race(s) and continue on down the Derby trail.
Sunday
Gulfstream, Race 1: 1:10 p.m.
The daughter of fan favorite Egg Drop, Hot N Sour, finally makes her much awaited debut in the opener. She will face Florida-bred maidens going one mile on the turf. Though she has been entered in previous races, she always ended up as an “also eligible.” Best of luck to this filly who already has quite the following.
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