Rebel Stakes a Longer Test for Great Notion

Silverton Hills' Great Notion, a nine-length winner of the Southwest Stakes on March 1, figures to be a heavy favorite in Saturday's $125,000 Rebel Stakes for 3-year-olds at Oaklawn Park.

Great Notion, who drew the outside post in the field of seven for the 1 1/16-mile Rebel, carries 119 pounds and will spot his rivals between five and seven pounds.

The son of Elusive Quality has been troubled by bruised feet since the Southwest, but trainer Darrin Miller pronounced him fit earlier this week. Terry Thompson, who was aboard in the one-mile Southwest, will ride Great Notion, who has won three of four career starts.

Alke, Comic Truth and Sir Cherokee, the two-three and four finishers in the Southwest Stakes, all return in the Rebel, the final stakes prep for the local crop heading toward the $500,000 Arkansas Derby (gr. II) on April 12.

A speed-favoring track listed as "good" that prevailed on Southwest Stakes day may have compromised their colts and geldings, according to those trainers who are trying Gret Notion again. They say they should have a better chance at the longer distance and over a fast surface.

$125,000 Rebel Stakes, 3-year-olds, 1 1/16 mile
PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Antsy (LA), 112, Otto Thorwarth
2. Crowned King (KY), 114, Chandra R. Rennie
3. Alke (KY), 112, Jon Kenton Court
4. Power Lion (KY), 112, Greta Kuntzweiler
5. Sir Cherokee (KY), 114, James Lopez
6. Comic Truth (FL), 114, Jamie Theriot
7. Great Notion (KY), 119, Terry J. Thompson