Oaklawn: Probables for Kentucky Derby prep + 2 more stakes

Speed King and Sandman, who finished one-two last month in the Southwest Stakes (G3), lead the list of 11 probable starters for next Saturday’s Grade 2, $1.25 million Rebel Stakes, the next step on Oaklawn’s road to Kentucky Derby 2025.

Barnes, the 7-1 futures favorite at Caesars Sportsbook Nevada for the Derby, is a possible entrant. Trainer Bob Baffert said in a Saturday text message to Horse Racing Nation that he had not made a final decision on whether he will be entered in the Rebel.

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Entries will be accepted and post positions drawn Sunday for the 1 1/16-mile Rebel and five other stakes including the $500,000 Honeybee (G3), a Kentucky Oaks (G1) qualifier for 3-year-old fillies going 1 1/16 miles. The 1 1/16-mile, $500,000 Razorback Handicap (G3) for older horses, also will be filled.

The Rebel will offer 50-25-15-10-5 points to the top five finishers toward Kentucky Derby starting eligibility. That makes the race a virtual win-and-you’re-in qualifier for the May 3 classic at Churchill Downs. Oaklawn’s series of points preps ends with the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) at 1 1/8 miles March 29.

Speed King was a front-running, one-length winner of the $1 million Southwest at 1 1/16 miles Jan. 25. Sandman spotted the field several lengths at the start after breaking in a tangle.

Coal Battle, who is unbeaten in four career dirt starts, also is being aimed for the Rebel. He won the $250,000 Smarty Jones on Jan. 4, a Derby prep covering the same course and distance as the Rebel.

According to the Oaklawn racing office, Admiral Dennis, Bullard, Dreaminblue, Hypnus, Innovator, Publisher, Smoken Wicked and Tiztastic also are probable for the Rebel.

Honeybee probables, according to the Oaklawn racing department, include Five G, Flash Wear, Going Steady, Jenkin, Muhimma, Quickick, Quietside and Take Charge Milady.

Razorback probables include Cooke Creek, First Mission, Henro, Just Steel, Red Route One, Seize the Night and Skinner. The race is a major local prep for the $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap (G2) at 1 1/8 miles April 19.