Ole Rebel gets up in final stride

Ole Rebel came flying late to best Wildcat Shoes and Beau's Town in a three-way photo finish Saturday in the $60,000 at Fair Grounds.

Wildcat Shoes broke quickly from the gate under Lonnie Meche and was soon in a battle for the lead with Artemus Sunrise, who was hustled up along the rail into contention by Jamie Theriot. Favored Beau's Town tracked the leaders under Tracy Hebert down the backstretch through a 22.22-second quarter mile, with Gerard Melancon aboard Premium Saltine right behind in fourth along the rail. Corey Lanerie allowed Ole Rebel to settle behind the pace in last while saving ground.

Wildcat Shoes and Artemus Sunrise battled for the lead through a half in 45.37 with Beau's Town still stalking the pace. Turning for home Ole Rebel was still in last.

Lanerie couldn't get Ole Rebel through on the rail and swung him widest of all, whipping furiously with his right hand and slowly gaining on the leaders, who hit the furlong pole in 57.18. Wildcat Shoes put away Artemus Sunrise in midstretch and Beau's Town took aim at the leader while Ole Rebel came fastest of all on the outside. As the crowd of 7,465 screamed in excitement the three horses hit the wire as a team, getting the six furlongs in 1:10.38.

Ole Rebel, a 5-year-old bay by Carson City, paid $11, $5.40 and $3.40. Second-place finisher Wildcat Shoes returned $15 and $5.20 and Beau's Town paid $2.40 to show.