Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc.
Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc.
WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR'S REBEL STAKES (II) UNIQUE?
3/13/2019
The Rebel Stakes (GII) is major prep for the Arkansas Derby to be run in one month. The Rebel Stakes has figured into the Run for the Roses three times. In 1983, it was won by the Canadian bred, Sunny’s Halo who went on to win the Kentucky Derby. Sunny’s Halo was the Canadian 2-year-old of the year in 1982. He also won the Arkansas Derby in 1983. Twenty-one years later, Smarty Jones, a Pennsylvania bred, won the Derby by 2 ¾ lengths after winning the Rebel Stakes. He went on to win the Preakness Stakes by over 11 lengths. In the grueling 12-furlong Belmont Stakes he was passed in the stretch by the 36-1 Birdstone. Finally, Kentucky Derby, as well as all Triple Crown races, were won by the Rebel Stakes and Arkansas Derby winner, American Pharoah. This year because of the fatalities that caused Santa Anita Park to be closed, the 2019 San Felipe Stakes was cancelled. In dire need of Kentucky Derby qualifying points some of the entrants traveled to Arkansas for the Rebel Stakes. However, all nineteen horses entered in the two divisions of the 2019 Rebel Stakes were also nominated to run in the race. What makes this year’s Rebel Stakes unique is that it is the first year in the races 59-year history that the race has been run in two divisions.