Handicapper's Corner: 2019 Rebel Stakes Div. 2

It's Game On in the Rebel Stakes, Div. II

By: Michael Mills, ThoroFan Member

Not going to go into how this and the first division got established this year as I’m sure most of you have read it 100 times already.  

 Just want to say the folks at Oaklawn should be congratulated for their foresight to make the two races happen.

 
#1 Market King (30-1) Into Mischief – Divine Presence, by A.P. Indy

John Velazquez/D. Wayne Lukas - 6 starts, 1 win, 1 second, 1 third

Local guy should be part of the early pace. Broke his maiden at Oaklawn February 9th by three-quarters of a length racing 1 1/16 mile. In his most recent start, he placed third.  D. Wayne Lukas has two Rebel victories.  John Velazquez, who interestingly takes the mount here has yet to win the Rebel.  Brings speed to the fray as he steps up big time in class.  Don’t see him lasting to hit the board.

#2 Laughing Fox (10-1) Union Rags – Saskawea, by Stormy Atlantic

Ricardo Santana Jr./Steve Asmussen - 4 starts, 2 win, 0 second, 0 third

Two for two this year with both wins coming at Oaklawn.  Ran very well February 18^th at the Rebel distance to win by just over a length. He projects to sit off the pace and attempt to make a move on the others at the top of the lane.  If he continues to improve has shot to be a Rebel.

#3 Parsimony (30-1) Dominus – Lil Cora Tee, by Lil E. Tee

Mario Gutierrez/Doug O’Neill - 7 starts, 0 win, 4 second, 0 third

The four-time bridesmaid makes his 8^th trip to the alter.  He has certainly run competitively against several of the best in California at various distances and surfaces.  He’ll look to sit behind the pace.  May present some value in the third or fourth placings.

#4 Jersey Agenda (15-1) Jersey Town – Risky Agenda, by Dynaformer

Jose Ortiz/Steve Asmussen - 4 starts, 2 win, 1 second, 0 third

Threw in a clunker in the Southwest Stakes finishing 8^th after having to steady on the first turn.  Has a win over the track at the distance two back.  Very interesting to see Jose of the brothers Ortiz show up here however minor award may be the ceiling.

#5 Game Winner (4-5) Candy Ride – Indyan Giving, by A.P. Indy

Joel Rosario/Bob Baffert - 4 starts, 4 win, 0 second, 0 third

The champion 2-year-old in 2018 has yet to run this year following his victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile back in November at Churchill.  Working well but must deal with the layoff and the change in game plan due to the cancellation of the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at closed Santa Anita.  He has done nothing wrong so far on the race track so beat him if you can.

#6 Omaha Beach (7-2) War Front – Charming, by Seeking the Gold

Mike Smith/Richard Mandella - 5 starts, 1 win, 3 second, 1 third

Finally broke his maiden in his last start after three very close seconds and a third all against relatively good competition.  He projects to press the pace and see if he can get two turns (actually three) for the first time on dirt.  Has a shot with Money Mike if the guy to his inside is off his game.

#7 Our Braintrust (6-1) Freud – Caller Trust, by Trust N Luck

David Cohen/Mark Casse - 5 starts, 2 win, 2 second, 1 third

Ran well last month finishing third in the 1 1/8-mile Grade 3 Withers Stakes at Aqueduct.  Will sit mid pack even with the blinkers added and try to make one run to hit the board.  Will need his best.

#8 Gunmetal Gray (10-1) Exchange Rate – Classofsixtythree, by Include

Flavien Prat/Jerry Hollendorfer - 6 starts, 2 win, 2 second, 0 third

He’s the closer of the race.  Has run well in all his starts but has been well beaten by Game Winner both times they faced each other.  Interesting that Prat gets back on this fellow after Smith having him in the last two.  Hits the board.

#9 Kaziranga (50-1) Candy Ride – Teammate, by A.P. Indy

Richard Eramia/Steve Asmussen - 6 starts, 1 win, 1 second, 0 third

Entered the wrong race Saturday.  Pass.

#10 Captain Von Trapp (15-1) Trappe Shot – Julie From Dixie, by Dixie Union

Ramon Vazquez/Steve Asmussen - 5 starts, 2 win, 2 second, 0 thirds

Has won two in a row and over the track.  Not sure he is going to want to go much beyond one mile.  Would have to continue to progress to hit the board.

The Plays

Winner:  Game Winner - beat him if you can    $30 to win 5  = $30

$10 Exacta 5/2-6-8      = $30

$2 Tri 5/2-6-8/2-6-7-8  = $18

$2 Tri 2-6-8/5/2-6-7-8  = $18

Total  $96

Have A Day!

Mike Mills