Z Fortune headlines Rebel

Z FORTUNE (Siphon [Brz]) takes the next step on his Triple Crown quest in Saturday's $300,000 Rebel S. (G2) at Oaklawn Park. The Steve Asmussen charge, who suffered his first career loss when second to stable star Pyro (Pulpit) in the Risen Star S. (G3) last out, will be seeking to return to the winner's circle in the 1 1/16-mile test. It should be noted that Asmussen saddled reigning Horse of the Year Curlin (Smart Strike) to victory in last year's Rebel prior to a dominating score in the Arkansas Derby (G2), and the same plan could be in play for Z Fortune.

The gray sophomore began his career last October at Belmont, taking his maiden debut by 6 1/2 lengths, prior to adding an allowance win his record in early December. He made his stakes debut in the Lecomte S. (G3) on January 12, rating in midpack before surging to victory, and was just two lengths behind Pyro in the Risen Star in his most recent start. With that experience under his girth, the three-year-old has been assigned to tote the top weight of 122 pounds under Garrett Gomez in the Rebel.

Like Z Fortune, GOLDEN YANK (Yankee Gentleman) entered his last race undefeated from three starts. He exited the Delta Jackpot S. (G3) with his first loss, falling short by a neck when third to dead-heat winners Z Humor (Distorted Humor) and Turf War (Dixie Union), and he'll return off a 99-day layoff on Saturday. Golden Yank almost skipped this one after missing some training, but trainer Gary Thomas decided to enter his charge anyway. The bay gelding will make his three-year-old debut under Larry Sterling Jr.

Multiple stakes winner SIERRA SUNSET (Bertrando) exits a good second in the Southwest S. (G3) at Oaklawn, finishing 2 1/4 lengths behind the winning Denis of Cork (Harlan's Holiday), who bypassed the Rebel. Trained by Jeff Bonde, Sierra Sunset tired to fourth after pressing the early pace in the San Rafael S. (G3) in his 2008 bow on Santa Anita's Cushion Track, and he'll try to continue his improvement here under Chris Emigh.

Another Rebel contender is ANAK NAKAL (Victory Gallop), winner of last year's Kentucky Jockey Club S. (G2). A well-beaten eighth when making his sophomore unveiling in the Fountain of Youth S. (G2), the Nick Zito-conditioned dark bay will be looking for redemption under Joe Bravo. Also in with a chance is SACRED JOURNEY (Unbridled's Song), who dead-heated for third in the Southwest when making his stakes debut. He'll pick up the services of Calvin Borel.

ISABULL (Holy Bull) drew the rail post and will have to carry 115 pounds, including Tim Doocy, from the inside on Saturday. To his outside will be Sierra Sunset, 119; STONE BIRD (Grindstone), Joe Johnson, 117; Sacred Journey, 117; Golden Yank, 119; HE'S EZE (Silver Deputy), Luis Quinonez, 117; KING'S SILVER SON (Mizzen Mast), Shaun Bridgmohan, 115; Anak Nakal, 119; and Z Fortune.