Horse Racing Picks: Rebel Stakes Prediction, Preview, and Odds (Feb 24)

• Key Kentucky Derby prep action set for Oaklawn Park this weekend
• American Pharoah landed Rebel Stakes success on his way to winning the Triple Crown in 2015

The action on the Road to the Kentucky Derby takes place at Oaklawn Park this weekend, as a key prep comes in the form of the G2 Rebel Stakes. A number of famous winners of this race have emerged as top Triple Crown contenders, including the legendary American Pharoah.

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Schedule and How To Watch

• When: Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 6:23 PM ET
• Where: Oaklawn Park, Arkansas
• How To Watch: FanDuel TV

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Rebel Stakes Odds

Horse	Odds
Timberlake
Just Steel
Time For Truth
Dimatic
Carbone
Lagynos
Northern Flame
Woodcourt

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Race Preview

The Rebel Stakes is staged at Oaklawn Park this weekend, and it looks set to be a key race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. This race has been staged since 1961, with the field competing over a distance of 1 1/16 miles. It has been a Grade 2 affair since 2008, with recent winners of the race including Omaha Beach, American Pharoah, and Curlin.

A lot of eyes will be on the returning Timberlake for trainer Brad Cox this weekend, as he makes his three-year-old debut after finishing fourth in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He was incredibly consistent throughout last season, which included success in the Champagne Stakes.

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13 horses set to compete in Saturday's Rebel Stakes at @OaklawnRacing! ⤵️

— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) February 20, 2024

However, the G3 Southwest Stakes could be the most important form line to follow. Carbone was seventh in that race, but favorable conditions this weekend could see him return to form. Just Steel was one that impressed in the Grade 3 at Oaklawn last time out, and he could build on his second in the Southwest this weekend.

There are a number of runners at prices that could run well this weekend, including Mena for trainer Steve Hobby. This three-year-old has already scored over 1 1/16 miles on two occasions, landing a stakes win at Churchill Downs in November. He returned to the track with a likable run when second over a mile at Oaklawn last month, achieving a speed rating of 89.

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Rebel Stakes Prediction

Mena is a really interesting selection for exotics this weekend, while Timberlake and Just Steel will also be included. However, I’m most keen on Time For Truth for Ron Moquett. His sire, Omaha Beach, landed victory in this race in 2009, and this three-year-old has achieved high 90 speed ratings on both starts over shorter trips. Up in distance this weekend, he could be a very lively contender at a good price.

Free Picks:

• Win:
• Trifecta Box: (7) Timberlake/ (10) Mena/ (11) Just Steel/ (13) Time For Truth