Expert Pick of the Week: 2021 Rebel Stakes

Mar 11, 2021 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

A total of 85 qualifying points (50-20-10-5) toward the Run for the Roses are on the line in Saturday’s $1 million Rebel S. (G2) at Oaklawn Park. The lucrative 2021 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series contest features a fine cast of three-year-olds, and it shapes up to be one of the more exciting races of the season for sophomores. Since 2010, conditioner Bob Baffert has saddled the winner of the Rebel on an absurd seven occasions. And I think that the number will increase to eight on Saturday.

San Vicente S. (G2) victor Concert Tour is perfect from a pair of lifetime tries to date and will stretch out to two turns for the initial time Saturday. The fleet Street Sense colt has given the impression of a youngster who will thrive with added distance, and he is the Expert Pick of the Week.

The Gary and Mary West homebred was sent off as the even-money favorite on January 15 in his debut and rewarded his numerous backers with a sharp 3 1/2-length score under Joel Rosario. He returned in the aforementioned San Vicente second time out and gradually wore down a stubborn foe late to keep his unblemished mark intact. I loved the way he was strongly held early, his ability to respond to his pilot’s urging readily in the stretch, and how the youngster galloped out following the seven-furlong dash.

He has been training in excellent fashion in preparation of his two-turn bow, with three fine recent moves led by a blistering six-furlong bullet work on March 6. The top prospect seems poised to shine bright in his route debut on Saturday.

Concert Tour will face a very good cast in his Oaklawn bow with four additional stakes winners in the cast. American Pharoah S. (G1) victor Get Her Number, Kentucky Jockey Club S. (G2) hero Keepmeinmind, rapidly surging Caddo River, and consistent stakes colt Super Stock, all boast strong qualities and resumes. But they will not be enough to deny Baffert from sending out his eighth Rebel winner.

Concert Tour coming home first in the Rebel Stakes is the Best Bet of the Week.