Oaklawn open to splitting Rebel Stakes into divisions

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – A double Rebel?

Oaklawn Park split its Grade 2, $1 million Rebel into two $750,000 divisions last year in a move that helped accommodate Southern California-based horsemen when racing at Santa Anita was temporarily suspended the week of the Grade 2 San Felipe.

This year, it remains to be seen whether Oaklawn will split the Rebel, which runs on March 14, but the track is open to running two divisions of the points race for the Kentucky Derby, said Jed Doro, vice president of racing for Oaklawn.

Doro said the maximum gate for the Rebel, which will be run over 1 1/16 miles, is 14.

Last year, Oaklawn committed to split the race with 20 or more horses. A total of 19 ended up being entered, and Oaklawn president Lou Cella approved two divisions. This year, a decision on a split would again be made on entry day for the Rebel, which is Wednesday, March 11.

Stakes double Saturday

Oaklawn has a stakes double Saturday, with the running of the $150,000 Hot Springs for 4-year-olds and up at six furlongs and the Grade 3, $300,000 Honeybee for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles. The Honeybee is a points race for the Kentucky Oaks.

The stakes were drawn Wednesday and will go as the eighth and ninth on a 10-race program Saturday. The field from the rail for the six-horse Hot Springs is Firecrow, Mr. Jagermeister, Whitmore, Share the Upside, Boldor, and Wendell Fong.

The nine-horse Honeybee from the rail is Motu, Shedaresthedevil, Turtle Trax, Ring Leader, Alta’s Award, Back In Charge, Fiftyshaysofgreen, Raggedy Annie, and Queen Bridget.