Tapiture Breezes for Rebel Stakes
Image:
Description:
Winchell Thoroughbreds’ homebred Tapiture, winner of the Southwest Stakes (gr. III) in his only start in 2014, breezed an easy half mile in :50 1/5 at Oaklawn Park March 10 in preparation for the March 15 Rebel Stakes (gr. II).
The son of Tapit is riding a two-race winning streak, having captured the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill Downs last fall as a maiden.
Among Tapiture’s foes in the 1 1/16-mile race are Southwest runner-up Strong Mandate, runaway winner of the Hopeful Stakes (gr. II) last year; San Vicente Stakes (gr. II) winner Kobe's Back; and Ride On Curlin, a well-beaten third when very wide early in the Southwest, but a fast-closing third in the Champagne Stakes (gr. I) last fall.
Tanzanite Cat, winner of the Smarty Jones at Oaklawn, is a possibility, but could opt for the Sunland Park Derby (gr. III) the following week or the Northern Spur Stakes April 12 at Oaklawn.
Bob Baffert, who has had great success at Oaklawn Park with his 3-year-olds in recent years, also may have a runner.
Tapiture is trained by Steve Asmussen.