Final 2019 Kentucky Derby preps set for Game Winner, Improbable

Trainer Bob Baffert completed a sweep of Saturday's Rebel Stakes (G2) flights, but not in the manner anticipated as his pair of favorites both rounded out the exacta.

Defeated by a neck to Long Range Toddy, Improbable will return to Oaklawn Park for the April 13 Arkansas Derby (G1), Baffert told the track's publicity staff.

Only a nose behind Omaha Beach in a photo finish to the second division, champion Game Winner will stay home in California for the April 6 Santa Anita Derby (G1) as a final prep.

“I would have liked to have won, but I’m very happy with both horses," Baffert said exiting the Rebels. "They both ran well off the layoff.

Thank goodness for the Cella family," owners and operators of Oaklawn Park. "We got to run both horses today. It was great racing.”

Santa Anita's temporary halt to racing to investigate track safety led to cancellation of the March 9 San Felipe Stakes, sending a number of West Coast 3-year-olds, including Baffert's duo, to Arkansas.

Game Winner entered the Rebel 4-for-4. Improbable was 3-for-3. Both were making their season debuts and, it could be argued, should move forward in their next starts.

On points, Game Winner is in the Kentucky Derby 2019 field leaving Saturday given prior victories at age 2. Improbable will need a Top 3 finish in his return to Oaklawn to solidify his standing.

Baffert has other runners to look forward to in the coming weeks with multiple Grade 3 winner Mucho Gusto expected to be entered in the March 24 Sunland Derby (G3). The Hall of Famer has also said Roadster, who won his season debut in allowance company, will also target the Santa Anita Derby.

Santa Anita Park is scheduled to resume racing on March 29, the track announced this weekend.