Rebel Stakes gains big increase

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Hot Springs, AR (Sports Network) - Oaklawn Park continues to make improvements in its stakes series for three-year-olds. The track announced Thursday that the Rebel Stakes purse is to receive an increase of $200,000.

"We are very proud of our 2012 stakes schedule, but we're particularly excited about the boost to the Rebel Stakes because it's making a name for itself as a leading Triple Crown prep -- not just an Arkansas Derby prep," said David Longinotti, Assistant General Manager of Racing.

The 1 1/16-mile Rebel, to be conducted on March 17, will be worth $500,000 leading into the $1 million Arkansas Derby on April 14. The track's three- year-old stakes series also includes two one-mile stakes, $100,000 Smarty Jones on January 16 and the $250,000 Southwest Stakes on February 20.

This year Archarcharch won both the Arkansas Derby and Southwest Stakes. The Smarty Jones, named for 2004 Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Arkansas Derby champ, was taken by Caleb's Posse and the Rebel went to The Factor.

Oaklawn Park begins its 2012 season on Friday, January 13.