Baffert looks to add another Rebel Stakes with American Anthem

By Rick Francis —-

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert looks to add yet another Rebel Stakes to his trophy case when he sends to post American Anthem, the son of 2012 Arkansas Derby winner Bodemeister; let’s take a look at the field.

RACE 10) 1ˆ Mile. Rebel S. Grade II. Purse $900,000 THREE YEAR OLDS.

Silver Bullion 1), Lukas/Vazquez; was part of an early pace last out, but once he was headed he couldn’t come back and finished second; Lukas with jock Vazquez at the meet a strong 27 percent.

Uncontested 2), Catalano/Hill; sent off as the fave in the Southwest, colt out of Tiz Wonderful was caught in the stretch and faded badly. He’s shown a pattern of bouncing back off such efforts and with a bullet work on the 10th; he may be ready to do just that.

Sonneteer 3), Desormeaux/Eramia; colt has demonstrated an ability to close, but maiden just can’t get there; these are hard to figure.

Petrov 4), Moquett/Ortiz, J; colt has finished second in three straight, including a back and forth battle last out in the G3 Southwest. He’s going to breakthrough sooner than later, I wouldn’t be quick to overlook for the top spot and should be on exotic tickets.

Untrapped 5), Asmussen/Ortiz, I; Trappe Shot colt is another who’s been a bridesmaid in his last two, both graded contests at Fair Grounds. I liked the way he finished up in the Grade 2 Risen Star last out, and today gets one of the countries best in jockey Irad Ortiz.

Malagacy 6), Pletcher/Castellano; out of Shackleford, colt has been nothing short of dominating in his two starts, winning by a combined twenty-two lengths. It’s his first test at the graded level; but he’s ready for connections that excel in these spots.

American Anthem 7), Baffert/Smith; though he missed by a head last out in the G3 Sham, Bodemeister colt was all game. As with all Baffert starters, he’s been working lights out; and how do you take a shot against a trainer that’s won this contest six of the last seven years?

Silver Dust 8), Morse/Lanerie; filled out the Southwest superfecta but was never a threat to the top two and shouldn’t be today.

Appalachian Gem 9), Van Berg/Stevens; colt broke thru last out for his maiden win, and today it’s his first graded test and first against winners; Hall of Fame connections won’t be enough.

Royal Mo 10), Shirreffs/Espinoza; Uncle Mo colt has won two straight, his last a solid gate-to-wire victory in the G3 Lewis; however that win came facing four opponents; I think he struggles here and the post doesn’t do him any favors.

Lookin At Lee 11), Asmussen/Santana; makes his fifth consecutive Graded Stakes start and has shown a solid late kick in his previous four. Though those efforts haven’t translated into visits to the winners circle, he got the skills to be part of exotic plays.

Selections: 7, 6, 4, 11; add 2 if you can.

Cover Photo: Bob Baffert; Mark Zerof/USA TODAY SPORTS