PartialLogo
International

Baffert hotpots beaten in both divisions of the Rebel as Omaha Beach shines

Bob Baffert: both Rebel Stakes fancies eclipsed
Bob Baffert: both Rebel Stakes fancies eclipsedCredit: Mario Tama

The Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, Arkansas, was split into two divisions and in both races the Bob Baffert-trained short-priced favourite was eclipsed, with first Long Range Toddy getting the better of Improbable, then Omaha Beach coming out on top by a nose after a battle with Game Winner.

Omaha Beach took five starts to break his maiden, but he found the transition to Grade 1 company much easier, taking the lead at the final turn and fighting off the fast-finishing Breeders' Cup winner.

The son of War Front is now a best-priced 20-1 for the Kentucky Derby with British and Irish bookmakers – Improbable and Game Winner are both 7-1, while Long Range Toddy is 28-1 – and his trainer Richard Mandella is convinced he will improve.

He said: "Coming out of a maiden race, it's a big step up. Game Winner ran really good. He hadn't run in a long time. He'll probably be tough next time, but mine just broke his maiden. He might be tougher, too.

"We always thought he was a really good horse. Being a War Front, I thought maybe he was going to want turf, but I was wrong with that. He wants dirt."

Despite having 2-5 favourite Improbable beaten in the first division, who was collared late on by Long Range Toddy to be beaten a neck, Baffert was pleased with the performances of both of his horses.

"I would have liked to have won, but I'm very happy with both," he said. "They both ran well off the layoff. We got to run both horses today and it was great racing."

Game Winner is set to head to the Santa Anita Derby for his next start.


For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app


Published on 17 March 2019inInternational

Last updated 13:34, 17 March 2019

iconCopy