Robertson springs another Rebel Day upset
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Trainer Mac Robertson has had some significant Rebel Days at Oaklawn. His latest came March 13, when he saddled Carlos L. to a 47-1 upset in the $150,000 Temperence Hill Stakes. Robertson won the main event in 2009, when Win Willy captured the Rebel at 56-1.
“It’s been a good day for me a couple of times,” Robertson said. “Anytime you win a race it’s [great]. When they win big, it’s got a little more oomph.”
Carlos L. set the pace in the 1 1/2-mile Temperence Hill and held on in track-record time of 2:29.87. The marathon trip suited the horse, said Robertson, who trains Carlos L. for Good Friends II.
“They bought him from Panama and he actually was winning those types of races,” said Robertson.
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Carlos L., 5, was a Group 1 winner over 1 5/16 miles at Remon in Panama in May 2019.
“He’s doing well,” Robertson said Tuesday. “He ran awfully hard. We’ll look for something in 30 days or so. I hope to run him back here at Oaklawn.”
◗ The fifth race Sunday has a Hall of Fame vibe with Calvin Borel named to ride the horse Jack Van Berg. Trainer Nick Zito will counter with Kickin’ Kirby.
◗ Oaklawn plans to open its infield on Sundays beginning this weekend. The track also will continue to open the infield on Saturdays.
◗ Oaklawn’s new hotel is scheduled to open in April, said track president Lou Cella.