Son of Rocket will attempt to sweep Oaklawn Park's three key prep races for the Arkansas Derby when he races Saturday in the $100,000 Rebel Stakes. The hat trick has not been accomplished since 1986.
The son of El Prado out of Seemslikeoldtimes faces eight other challenges in the 1 1/16-mile stakes. He shares the top weight of 119 pounds with Secret Romeo, winner of last year's Michigan Futurity. If Son of Rocket wins Saturday, he will be the first horse since Rare Brick to sweep the Rebel, the $75,000 Southwest Stakes, and $50,000 Mountain Valley Stakes.
The field, jockeys, and weights for the Rebel are as follows:
Son of Rocket, Terry Thompson, 119
Secret Romeo, Carlos Montalvo, 119
Crafty Shaw, Joe Johnson, 112
Artic Boy, Tony Lovato, 112
Strike It Smart, Robby Albarado, 114
Faiths Wish, David Nuesch, 112
Spectacular Cat, Tim Doocy, 114
Grifter, Calvin Borel, 114
On Special Judge, Sidney LeJeune, 114
