Switch to dirt helps Reno Rebel score in Asparagus

Reno Rebel scored his first stakes victory, dominating in the lane to win the $65,570 Asparagus Stakes by four lengths at the San Joaquin Fair in Stockton on Saturday.

Reno Rebel ($11.40), a son of Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, finished third in the Robert Duplet on turf at Santa Rosa earlier this summer. He was coming off a last-place finish in the Rolling Green against older after being a pace factor through six furlongs.

“I knew he’d have plenty of air after those turf races,” said winning trainer Steve Sherman. “Once I saw him move up outside on the turn, I thought he would kick it in.”

Final Step and Adriatic Son dueled through fractions of 22.37 and 45.08 seconds with 7-5 favorite Final Step holding the advantage before Reno Rebel blew by the leaders nearing the eighth pole and pulled clear, winning the race in 1:10.28.

The filly Look Quickly rallied to win a three-way photo for second over the pacesetting duo.

Sherman credited his crew for helping Reno Rebel overcome a quarter crack that almost kept him out of the race. He also credited jockey Kyle Frey for a having the colt perfectly positioned.

“I told him don’t fight him and let him sit wherever he wants,” said Sherman.

Reno Rebel, a $100,000 yearling purchase owned by Nevada Equine LLC and Charles Finch, earned $42,050 and has now earned $115,115 with 3 wins in 10 starts.