Hoppertunity

While not quite as dramatic as some of the chariot-racing scenes in Ben Hur, there was plenty happening from the entrance to the stretch in the GII Rebel S. With more than one of the principals at fault, the stewards reached the sensible decision to allow the result to stand. We are likely to learn more if the Rebel’s first four return to Oaklawn for the GI Arkansas Derby over an extra 110 yards, when the Rebel winner Hoppertunity won’t enjoy the same 5lb weight advantage with runner-up Tapiture. However, the extra yardage is likely to suit the courageous Hoppertunity, who, incidentally, shares the same broodmare sire– Unaccounted For–as last year’s Arkansas Derby winner, Overanalyze.