The only game in town right now is horse racing, and for horse racing enthusiasts that’s just fine.
Now that the coronavirus has put a halt to all major sports in the US, the Kentucky Derby prep stake races have decided to carry on. Unlike other sports, horse racing is driven by advertising and wagering.
Of course, one’s health is much more important than any amount of money – that is why for the first time ever a major stakes race will be run in an empty race track.
No crowd at Rebel Stakes
According to the Hot Springs Sentinel, Saturday’s $1 million Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park will take place in front of just the trainers, owners and TV crew.
This means the normal crowd of thousands will be cut down to just a few hundred. With many states setting regulations of not allowing a gathering over 250 people, this is the new normal for now.
The positive news? Like always, online wagering will be available and the Rebel Stakes will air on television and via live stream.
Rebel Stakes contenders
If it’s a stake race, you know somehow Bob Baffert has a horse in the action.
The five-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer will once again try to qualify another horse for the Run for the Roses. This time around he has the highly-regarded Nadal under his wing.
Already considered an early favorite for the Run for the Roses, Nadal would earn 50 Derby qualifying points and join his stablemate Authentic in the Kentucky Derby field with a victory.
Yes, Authentic is another horse under the tutelage of Bob Baffert.
The three favorites for today’s 2020 Rebel Stakes are Basin (3-1), Silver Prospector (7-2) and Three Technique (7-2), but that doesn’t mean a surprise couldn’t happen.
Field, start time how to watch live
Post time for today’s 1-1/16-mile Rebel Stakes race is 6:23 p.m. Eastern Time. With very little separating the top four contenders, this race should be a great one to watch for horse racing enthusiasts.
Here is everything you need to know about today’s big race.
Also, be sure to check back after the race as the winning results and payouts will be provided in the section below.
- What: 2020 Rebel Stakes
- When: Sat. March 14
- Where: Oaklawn Park
- Start time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- TV: TVG
- Live Stream: TVG
Field and odds
Nadal (5-2)
Excession (30-1)
Basin (3-1)
Silver Prospector (7-2)
No Parole (8-1)
Three Technique (7-2)
Coach Bahe (30-1)
American Theorem (6-1)
Results update (6:38 p.m. ET)
Nadal wins the 2020 Rebel Stakes! Here are the payouts:
Nadal $3.80 | $4.00 | $3.20
Excession $37.00 | $10.60
Basin $4.40