Handicapping: Cox Duo Formidable in Grade II Rebel Stakes

By Rick Francis —-

Trainer Brad Cox sends out a strong pair with Verifying and Giant Mischief in the running of the $1 Million Grade 2 Rebel Stakes. Each of these strapping 3-year-old colts are seeking their first points to the “Run for the Roses” so expect a maximum effort; let’s take a look at their competition.

OAKLAWN PARK

Race 11) 1&1/16TH Mile. Rebel-G2 Rebel S. Grade II. Purse $1,000,000 THREE YEAR OLDS
Post Time: 6:23/( 5:23)/ 4:23/ 3:23

1) Verifying (Cox/Geroux); Justify colt kicked well clear of 1st level OC’s here last month; makes second start off the layoff which for trainer Cox that’s a 27 winning percentage.

2) Powerful (Asmussen/Castillo); 1st of three from the Asmussen barn and the only one of the three to make his 2023 debut; think this is the weakest of the three; pass.

3) Red Route One (Asmussen/Torres); Gun Runner colt was a game second to top Derby contender Arabian Knight last out in the Southwest; don’t see a repeat of that effort here today.

4) Gun Pilot (Asmussen/Santana); this Gun Runner is the top threat from this barn; exits a solid win here earlier this month and with making his third start over the course has a legit shot.

5) Giant Mischief (Cox/Ortiz, I. Jr.); the question mark of this contest. One has to feel that connections have been “shopping” this Into Mischief colt all over looking for his spot, from Indy to Keeneland and finally at Remington where he lunged, bobbled and ran second as the short price fave facing a questionable Springboard Mile field. If connections were searching for his place they should have run him in the Risen Star over a course that he burn’s up in the am’s.

6) Reincarnate (Yakteen/Velazquez); the field’s top last out speed figure came in his game win in the Grade 3 Sham. This barn (Baffert) has had much success here with their West Coast shippers but of late the courses of Santa Anita and Del Mar haven’t transitioned well to the Hot Springs oval; nevertheless, this Good Magic colt has the skills and certainly wouldn’t be a shocker.

7) Confidence Game (Desormeaux/Graham); out of Candy Ride, colt didn’t have it late last out in the G3 Lecomte, same applies here.

8) Talladega (Brisset/Prat); delivered as the race fave here last month with a driving maiden win; this isn’t a maiden field.

9) Event Detail (Lobo/Corales); enters off back-to-back improving efforts, however both came over Turf Paradise’s synthetic; pass.

10) Bourbon Bash (Lukas/Michel); what can you say, once again “Coach” has put together a team that has a real Derby threat; exits a show and place efforts here and has been working lights out in mornings, you have to include.

11) Frosted Departure (McPeek/Arrieta); strong stakes player and field’s top earner has competed in all track conditions and if there’s one trainer that knows how to shock a tote-board it’s Kenny McPeek.

Selections: 4,1,11,10