After recent wins, Northern Flame, Woodcourt being considered for Rebel

Northern Flame and Woodcourt are both under consideration for the Grade 2, $1.25 million Rebel Stakes after winning divisions of a split 3-year-old allowance last week at Oaklawn Park.

Northern Flame was a neck winner of the second division, after setting a pressured pace over a good track that was sealed. For his effort in the one-mile race he earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 79.

“He’s a horse that hopefully is improving from 2 to 3,” trainer Kenny McPeek said Friday. “That race the other day was a good fighting effort. This is a good, solid colt, and he’s got a beautiful female family.”

Northern Flame is out of the Bernardini mare Darling’s Darling. He is by Flameaway. Last year, Northern Flame won a maiden special weight at 1 1/16 miles at Churchill Downs and was fourth in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland.

McPeek said next-race plans have not been determined, but that the Rebel will be a consideration. The 1 1/16-mile race is Feb. 24.

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Woodcourt won the fourth race of his career in the first division when he closed from last on the good track for a head win. He equaled his best career Beyer, a 71. Emmanuel Esquivel was aboard from post 11.

“I think the jock rode a heck of a race,” said trainer Cipriano Contreras. “I went from the 11 post to the 1 post. I’ve got to give credit to the jockey.”

Contreras had originally entered Woodcourt in the Leonatus at Turfway Park, but the race was canceled and he did not enter back for its rescheduled date. Woodcourt won a Turfway allowance route in December. The versatile runner also has won on the turf and at a sprint distance.

“I love the way he ran the other day,” Contreras said Thursday. “He’s won four races and he’s a 3-year-old. I don’t have a lot of conditions left. Right now we might take a chance and play with the big boys and see what he can do. If he gets a couple steps better, he might be all right. We’ll consider the Rebel. We don’t know yet.”

Contreras said Woodcourt also would be nominated to the $150,000 John Battaglia Memorial on March 2 at Turfway.

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