The $1.25 million Rebel Stakes (G2), a race that offers Kentucky Derby (G1) qualifying points on a 50-25-15-10-5 scale, has been pushed back from Feb. 22 to Feb. 23 due to winter weather expected Feb. 18-19.
The news was sent out to horsemen at the Hot Springs, Ark., track via text Tuesday morning. According to the message, each of Oaklawn Park's three race days this weekend will be moved back one day. The 10-race Feb. 21 card will now be held Feb. 22, the 12-race Feb. 22 card held Feb. 23, and the 10-race Feb. 23 card held Feb. 24. The decision was made in conjunction with the Arkansas Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association and Arkansas Racing Commission.
"We thank all our horsemen and fans for your patience and support as we work to ensure this weekend's important races can take place," the track said in a post on X.
The National Weather Service forecasts freezing rain and sleet throughout Tuesday afternoon, eventually turning into snow during the night and early hours of Wednesday morning. Although no snow is expected following Wednesday, wind chill temperatures are forecast in the single digits with the real temperature not expected to go over freezing until Friday.
Messages sent to horsemen also indicated that training would be canceled Wednesday and Thursday morning. The goal is to resume training Friday afternoon.
In addition to the Rebel, the $500,000 Honeybee Stakes (G3), a 50-point prep on the Road to the Kentucky Oak, $500,000 Razorback Handicap (G3), $150,000 Carousel Stakes, and $145,000 Trivista Overnight Stakes will be moved from Saturday to Sunday. The $150,000 Dixie Belle Stakes will be moved from Sunday to Monday.
Among the entrants in the Rebel Stakes (G2) are two California-based horses: Michael McCarthy-trained Bullard and Bob Baffert-trained Madaket Road.
McCarthy said early Tuesday afternoon that Bullard, as well as Honeybee entrant Look Forward and Carousel entrant Sandy Bottom, were already on their way to Oaklawn from Santa Anita Park—travel unimpacted by the storm.
"It's a long way to go to have to sit out now. They will run," McCarthy said. "It is what it is. If it's Sunday, then it is going to be Sunday."
All three of his runners recently completed their final workouts Feb. 16 at Santa Anita Park in preparation.
"He's training very well, he's had a series of nice works here (at Santa Anita)," McCarthy said of Bullard. "He seems to be at the top of his game."
