The $1.25 million Rebel Stakes (G2), a race that offers Kentucky Derby (G1) qualifying points on a 50-25-15-10-5 scale, has been pushed back from Feb. 22 to Feb. 23 due to winter weather expected Feb. 18-19.
The news was sent out to horsemen at the Hot Springs, Ark., track via text Tuesday morning. According to the message, each of Oaklawn Park‘s three race days this weekend will be moved back one day. The 10-race Feb. 21 card will now be held Feb. 22, the 12-race Feb. 22 card held Feb. 23, and the 10-race Feb. 23 card held Feb. 24.
The National Weather Service forecasts freezing rain and sleet throughout Tuesday afternoon, eventually turning into snow during the night and early hours of Wednesday morning. Although no snow is expected following Wednesday, wind chill temperatures are forecast in the single digits with the real temperature not expected to go over freezing until Friday.
Messages sent to horsemen also indicated that training would be canceled for Wednesday and Thursday morning. The goal is to resume training Friday afternoon.
In addition to the Rebel, the $500,000 Honeybee Stakes (G3), $500,000 Razorback Handicap, $150,000 Carousel Stakes, and $145,000 Trivista Overnight Stakes will be moved from Saturday to Sunday. The $150,000 Dixie Belle Stakes will be moved from Sunday to Monday.
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