Oaklawn Park has center stage Saturday as the top two favorites for the Kentucky Derby – Game Winner and Improbable – go in separate divisions of the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes.

Game Winner and Improbable were originally supposed to make their 2019 debuts last week in the San Felipe, which was canceled due to the suspension of racing at Santa Anita. Instead, these two led a Southern California charge to the Rebel, prompting Oaklawn management to split the race and generously add $500,000 to the purse, making each division worth $750,000.

DORRANCE

Trainer: C.R. Trout       

Last race: March 10, 8th    

Finish: 1st by 2 1/2

Beyer: 84

IMPERIAL BREW
Trainer: John Pimental
Date: March 8th, 2nd
Finish: 4th by 3 1/4
Beyer: 54
Behind a controlled pace here, and that's the second consecutive time that's been the case; still showed some late foot, an effort that's better than the running line may appear.

Aqueduct | Race 8 | Post Time 5:12 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs

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The late pick five is an appealing sequence on this marathon 13-race card.

The ninth, a one-mile maiden special, contains a host of horses trying turf for the first time who are bred for it, including the favored first-timers Largent (1) and Militiaman (11). Both are from high-profile barns. Longshot Mass Appeal (2) showed nothing at first asking on dirt, but the son of the good turf sire Speightstown is a half-brother to a pair of grass winners, most notably Grade 2 stakes winner Ride a Comet.

Aqueduct | Race 4 | Post Time 1:55 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs

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Race 2: Salty Smile (#6)
Has been steadily rounding back into form since getting claimed back by John Toscano.
Ran deceptively well last time when getting shuffled back midway through the race and coming on again.
Will go off at an inflated price due to the presence of expected underlay Sweet August Lady.
8-1 on ML

Aqueduct | Race 10 | Post Time 5:09 p.m. (ET)

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Race 4: Turco Bravo (#2)
Ran deceptively well last time, chasing two to three wide against a strong rail bias.
His two main rivals may knock themselves out on the front end, which could allow him to make use of his exceptional stamina.
The Mertkan Kantarmaci barn has done strong work at this meet and can keep horses in top form.
3-1 on ML

Tampa Bay Downs | Race 11 | Post Time 5:25 p.m. (ET)

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