Saturday’s $300k Rebel Stakes is the final local prep for the Arkansas Derby. The 8.5 furlong graded event has drawn a field of 9, and Old Fashioned is the 7-5 morning line choice.

The aforementioned Larry Jones (shown w/Wayne Lukas) trained fav is undefeated in four lifetime starts, and the $800k son of Unbridled’s Song owns fine early/pressing speed. I am not sure how much farther Old Fashioned wants to run, but he is effective at this distance and could easily make it five straight.
Wise Kid owns a strong pedigree (Lemon Drop Kid-Seeking The Gold), and he has won two …read more

A field of 11 has been assembled for Monday’s Southwest Stakes, an early season flat mile prep for the $1million Arkansas Derby (April 11th).
All eyes will be glued to Old Fashioned, an undefeated son of Unbridled’s Song making his first start since dusting the competition in the nine furlong Remsen (G2) in November (replay below).

The Larry Jones charge is firing bullets for this and owns dangerous early foot, but he should be challenged early and often by another son of Unbridled’s Song, Silver City.
Bret Calhoun’s colt has won three straight sprints, including a local stakes tally that …read more

ARKANSAS:
The 2009 Oaklawn Park meet kicks off on Friday (1-16-09)
CALIFORNIA:
Pioneerof the Nile (Empire Maker) scorched five furlongs in :57-3/5 on Jan 11th. Bob Baffert’s Kentucky Derby hopeful is expected to contest the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G2) on Feb 7th.
Fleet filly Indyanne was unable to recover from a sesamoid injury which occurred in the La Brea on Dec 27th. It was hoped that she would be saved for broodmare duties, but she had to be put down on Jan 13th.
Carla Gaines trainee Point Encounter (Point Given), an impressive opening day debut winner at Santa Anita, suffered …read more