More of the big boy Kentucky Derby hopefuls are coming on to play on Saturday in the running of the Rebel at Oaklawn Park.
The 1-1/16-mile test worth 85 prep points is the 11th race on the Oaklawn card and is set for a 3:16 p.m. PDT post.
On paper it looks like a two-horse race but there are a number of interesting choices.
Following is a look at the contenders.
Caddo River (Brad Cox, Florent Geroux, 8-5) is your deserving favorite and is coming off a smashing performance in the Smarty Jones over the same Oaklawn surface.
He broke alertly, then proceeded to go and crush the field by over 10 lengths. That came following a maiden score at Churchill Downs by 9-lengths. It is no secret that he wants the lead and breaking from the rail he has no choice to push out or he will be stuck eating dirt throughout the race.
Concert Tour (Bob Baffert/Joel Rosario/2-1) is lightly raced with only a pair of starts – both of which were wins. A debut win in a straight maiden field started some buzz around Santa Anita and was followed by a score in the San Vincente.
Now the horse ships to Oaklawn, a regular move by Baffert over the years with his Derby contenders. I am a fan of the horse but am concerned that he may be a bit green still.
In the San Vicente he drifted in the lane once he got the lead, something that did not cost him that day but going forward with a bigger field it could prove to be a mistake.
Keepmeinmind (Robertino Diodoro/David Cohen/4-1) has only one win in four starts, but two of the losses came to Juvenile champ Essential Quality, one of the early favorites for the Derby. His last start was all the way back in November in the Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill.
In the start he sat well back before charging late for the win, a strategy that may prove effective here if there is a hot early pace.
Super Stock (Steve Asmussen/Joe Talamo/6-1) has one win in sis career starts and has not raced since late October of last year.
It seems like the single digit morning line odds are coming off a third-place finish in the Breeders’ Futurity in October behind Essential Quality and Keepmeinmind. I will have to see something here before I give serious thought to the runner.
Get Her Number (Peter Miller/Javier Castellano/8-1) is not a bad option if you are looking for a price.
The first two starts came on the turf before the horse switched over to the main track and took the American Pharoah at Santa Anita at 8-1 in late September.
The work tab has been consistent and good, but it has been a long break between races. Figures to be part of the pace factor.
Hozier (Baffert/Martin Garcia/12-1) is an interesting runner. Not often you see a Baffert horse in a Derby prep at 12-1.
Just two starts with both coming this year, he is coming off a maiden score on February 15 at Santa Anita. The $625,000 purchase did get a 84 Beyer in the win and ran a stalking effort in his first time around two turns.
The work tab has been exceptional and though lightly raced it may be a big mistake to overlook this one.
By Dennis Miller