Rebel History

The Road to the Kentucky Derby makes a stop at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, with the running of the $1.25 million dollar, Grade 2 Rebel Stakes. This 1 1/16-mile event typically draws a deep, competitive field, buoyed by a massive purse plus 50 qualifying Derby points going to the Winner. The race was inaugurated in 1961 as the Rebel Handicap, and was changed to the Rebel Stakes … Continue reading Rebel History

The Southwest Stakes

The Road to the Kentucky Derby makes a stop in Arkansas on Saturday with the running of the million dollar, Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Aside from the $1 million purse, the contest will also award 20-10-6-4-2 Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the top five finishers. Last year’s Southwest Stakes Winner MYSTIK DAN used the race as a springboard on his way to Win the Run … Continue reading The Southwest Stakes

Ease On Down The Road (To The Kentucky Derby)

Prior to 2013 the traditional qualifying factor for horses wanting to participate in the Kentucky Derby was total Graded Stakes purse earnings- the more money an eligible horse Won, the increased chance of entering the starting gate. But beginning in 2013 Churchill Downs refined the classic earnings method in favor of a points based system which revamped the traditional prep races. These prep races were officially … Continue reading Ease On Down The Road (To The Kentucky Derby)

The Arkansas Derby

The Road to the Kentucky Derby at Oaklawn Park reaches the end on Saturday, when the track hosts the $1.5 million dollar, Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. A deep and talented field of ten will travel 1 ⅛ miles on the main Oaklawn track in search of the prestigious Win that also includes maximum Derby qualifying points. The Winner will get 100 points, while the runner-up will receive 50, … Continue reading The Arkansas Derby

Who Wins The Rebel Stakes ?

As March draws near the anticipation for the 2024 Kentucky Derby is ramping up. That said, Saturday the focus will be on Oaklawn Park for the 64th running of the Rebel Stakes. The 1 1/16-mile Rebel is the third of four prep races for the Kentucky Derby held at Oaklawn and offers, along with a hefty $1.25 million dollar purse, a total of 105 qualifying points for the … Continue reading Who Wins The Rebel Stakes ?

Do The Rebel (Yell) Stakes

The Road to the Kentucky Derby runs through Oaklawn Park Saturday, for the $1.25 million dollar, Grade 2 Rebel Stakes. An ambitious field of 13 entrants is set to line up for this 1 1/16-mile event, with 50 qualifying Derby points going to the Winner. The race was inaugurated in 1961 as the Rebel Handicap, and was changed to the Rebel Stakes in 1984. That same year, the … Continue reading Do The Rebel (Yell) Stakes

Oaklawn Park Opens

Some of the best winter dirt racing in North America is coming to the Midwest, as the Oaklawn Park meet begins this Friday, December 8th. The 2023-24 season will extend until May 4th, when the track shuts down on the same day as the 150th Kentucky Derby. Racing at Oaklawn brings big fields, good betting races for handicappers, an excellent Stakes program, and very strong purses fueled … Continue reading Oaklawn Park Opens

Who Wins The Arkansas Derby ?

Saturday’s Grade 1, $1.25 million dollar Arkansas Derby will be the 33rd official prep race on the road to the 2023 Kentucky Derby as well as the final one at Oaklawn Park. The 1 1/8-mile race attracted a field of eleven 3-year-olds who will compete for the 100-40-30-20-10 points that go to the top five eligible finishers. Here is a look at the entrants. 1. BOURBON BASH … Continue reading Who Wins The Arkansas Derby ?

Arkansas Derby Historical Talent

The Road to the Kentucky Derby takes its final pass through Oaklawn Park on Saturday when the track hosts the $1.25 million dollar, Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. The field of 3-year-olds will travel 1 ⅛ miles on the main track in search of the prestigious Win that also includes maximum Derby qualifying points. Historically, there have been many great horses that have Won this marque event of the … Continue reading Arkansas Derby Historical Talent

Who Wins The Rebel Stakes ?

The Grade 2, $1 million dollar Rebel Stakes on Saturday, is the third of four official prep races at Oaklawn Park on The Road To The Kentucky Derby. The 1 1/16-mile race has attracted eleven 3-year-olds who will compete for the 50-20-15-10-5 points that go to the top five eligible finishers. 1. VERIFYING [ML 2-1] Trainer: Brad Cox. Jockey: Florent Geroux. Was a debut Winner at Saratoga … Continue reading Who Wins The Rebel Stakes ?