Litmus Test, Blackout Time clash in Rebel

Feb 24, 2026 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

Litmus Test gave trainer Bob Baffert his 15th Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) victory (Photo by Benoit Photo)

In the 16 editions of the Rebel (G2) held at Oaklawn Park since 2010, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has won eight, a lofty record he will look to expand on Sunday when he saddles Litmus Test in the $1 million Road to the Kentucky Derby prep.

With the expected scratch of Bravaro, Litmus Test will break from post 1 in the 1 1/16-mile Rebel. Kentucky Derby (G1) qualifying points of 50-25-15-10-5 will be awarded to the respective top five finishers in the Rebel, which has a scheduled post time of 6:23 p.m. ET.

Although second fiddle to Brant in Baffert's pecking order of juveniles last season, Litmus Test finished only a neck behind that rival when an even-trip fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1). The son of Nyquist then registered his first stakes win, a 1 1/4-length decision in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2).

The morning line favorite for the Rebel is Blackout Time, last seen finishing second to champion Ted Noffey in the Breeders' Futurity (G1) in October. Blackout Time was an intended starter in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile but was scratched by regulatory veterinarians.

Silent Tactic was a visually impressive winner of the Southwest (G3) in early February, passing 10 rivals en route to a 3 1/4-length victory. Behind him were Soldier N Diplomat, Rancho Santa Fe, and stablemate Strategic Risk, who had beaten Silent Tactic by more than four lengths in the Smarty Jones S.

Also likely to garner considerable report is Class President, runner-up in the seven-furlong Swale S. at Gulfstream last time for Todd Pletcher, a two-time winner of the Rebel.

Earlier on Sunday, a field of 10 three-year-old fillies will contest the $750,000 Honeybee (G3) at 1 1/16 miles. Kentucky Oaks (G1) qualifying points of 50-25-15-10-5 will be awarded to the top five.

Baffert has entered Explora, one of last season's top two-year-olds, who has been favored in all six starts. However, she has won only half, most recently finishing second to Meaning in the Las Virgenes S. at Santa Anita.

Much of the Honeybee field previously started in the Feb. 6 Martha Washington S., in which Search Party prevailed over Newtown Pike and Knickleandime in a blanket finish. Farther up the track were Grace Is Free and odds-on favorite Counting Stars.

Other notables include Taken by the Wind, who stole the Silverbulletday S. at Fair Grounds, setting a pedestrian pace, and the Brad Cox-trained Sneaky Good, a stakes winner at Tampa who was a wide third in the Forward Gal (G3) last time.

Post time for the Honeybee is 5:15 p.m. ET. Both it and the Rebel can be watched and wagered on at TwinSpires.com.