Rebel Stakes (G2)

February 23, 2025 - Oaklawn Park - Hot Springs, Arkansas

The Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park has a rich history dating back to 1961, but its prominence as a key prep race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby has grown substantially in recent decades.

Traditionally run in mid-March, the Rebel is now held in late February and offers Derby qualification points on a 50-25-15-10-5 scale to the top five finishers. This generous points distribution makes the race a crucial stepping stone, with the winner essentially securing a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate on the first Saturday in May.

Originally called the Rebel Handicap, the race gained wider recognition in 1980 when Temperence Hill won both the Rebel and the Belmont Stakes (G1), later earning champion three-year-old male honors. Its status as a major Derby prep solidified in 1983 when Sunny’s Halo captured the Rebel before going on to win the Kentucky Derby. This success helped the Rebel achieve Grade 3 status in 1990, cementing its reputation as a pivotal event in Thoroughbred racing.