Baffert looking at Rebel for The Factor

The Factor, who has won two starts at Santa Anita in electrifying fashion this winter, is being pointed for the $300,000 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park on March 19, trainer Bob Baffert said on Sunday.

The Factor won the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes over seven furlongs at Santa Anita on Feb. 20. Following that race, Baffert mentioned the $800,000 Sunland Derby at Sunland Park in New Mexico on March 27 as a possibility, but was leaning toward a trip to Oaklawn Park on Sunday.

“If he works well next week, and I’m happy with him, we’ll go to the Rebel,” Baffert said. “If I’m not happy, we’ll go to the next one. That’s my plan.”

The Factor lost his first career start, finishing fourth in a maiden race at Hollywood Park on Nov. 28, but rebounded to win a six-furlong maiden race by 8 1/4 lengths at Santa Anita in track record time of 1:06.98 on Dec. 26.