Rebel Yell heard ’round the South
Rebel Yell heard ’round the South
Welcome back to Arkansas, where the weather was absolutely gorgeous for the running of “The Rebel Yell”, a Grade III Stakes race 8.5 furlongs on the dirt for all horses 3 years old. In addition to the fine weather, it was V. Jennings bobble head day, which made for an all out family fun Saturday. And what a treat the fans got today! The track reports that less than a thousand people left before the main event, so obviously most people came out to get a look at some future superstars in “The Rebel Yell”, and I don’t think anyone left disappointed.
From the gate to the wire, this one was an absolute barn burner. The early morning line favorite, Scripture (KY), broke from the gate fast, and headed for the lead, followed closely by Air Force Haack (KY), who settled just off the shoulder of Scripture, thus setting up the early duel for the lead. However, there was a second duel setting up just behind them, as A Smarter Strike (KY), Unbridled Holiday (KY), Too Much Tripping (KY), and River Slew Ted (TX) started their own duel for 3rd place, with Afrika Korps (KY) and Speightsrican (KY) settling in just behind them. All was looking good for Buster’s Upset Special with Unbridled Holiday hanging tough with the leaders. The other half of Buster’s pick, Distorted Storm (KY), unfortunately went straight to the rear, and looked pretty comfortable there. Ah, well, can’t win ’em all, I guess.
At the 4 furlong mark, halfway through the race, Air Force Haack surges ahead of Scripture, taking the lead for the first time. Behind them, A Smarter Strike also makes a big move, pulling Afrika Korps and Speightsrican with him, as Unbridled Holiday and Too Much Tripping are still hanging tough. By 5 furlongs, Scripture has run out of gas and falls rapidly out of the race. Distorted Storm also begins a slow move toward the front. By the top of the stretch, A Smarter Strike has moved into second, followed closely by Afrika Korps and Speightsrican. Distorted Storm begins really pouring it on here, pushing hard towards the leaders. He passes Speightsrican quickly, and, as they near the wire, he takes Afrika Korps by a half length. Alas, it proves to be too little, too late, and Air Force Haack crosses the finish line in first, followed by A Smarter Strike closing in second at 1 and ¼ lengths, followed by the fastest moving horse at the time, Distorted Storm, in 3rd. For the second race in a row, Distorted Storm was charging hard at the finish, and fell just short of winning. Afrika Korps took 4th and Speightsrican took 5th. An absolutely fantastic finish to “The Rebel Yell”, and one that had the fans reliving it, stride for stride, as they exited.
We’ll take a quick peek back at what Buster said about these horses in the preview:
Air Force Haack (KY): This homebred colt is making his first step up to Graded races having never finished worse than 5th in any race ever. He also has a history of following up a bad finish with a win, so look out, Scripture! Although his last race was his best effort ever, it was also his worst finish ever, so he seems more than ready to make a run at the leaders here. Expect Air Force Haack to be one of the early pacesetters.
A Smarter Strike (KY): This 3 year old colt’s worst lifetime finish was 4th, and as a 2 year old, he raced in the Grade II “Dell Computer Futurity”, finishing 3rd. Despite, that, his only other start this year was in an allowance race, so he is making a huge jump back to Graded Stakes. However, as I said before, this seems like a great race to do it in. A Smarter Strike has never been tried at this distance before, so hopefully he proves to be equal to the task. When the going gets tough, the tough…well, you know. Look for him to duel for the early lead.
Distorted Storm (KY): This colt has finished first an astounding 6 of 7 starts, only failing to win in his last start “The Beau’s Prospect’s Special” at the Open stakes level. Despite finishing second, this was his best time for this distance, unfortunately, it was on an off track. However, this horse knows how to win! It’s very hard to bet against that kind of lifetime record. Look out for this one, folks. Expect to see him stalk the pace, not too close, and be there for the finish. Despite the fact that he has had more sprint wins than routes, he was charging so hard at the end of his last race, I think he just ran out of room!
Well, that’s a wrap, folks, join us next week for more thrilling horse racing action at the Black Type Bugler. Unfortunately for Buster, neither of his Upset Specials came through this week, although Distorted Storm (KY) came as close as you can. Maybe we’ll call that one a near miss (doesn’t the Swami get near misses? maybe not….). Be safe until next time, and may all your horses find the Winner’s Circle!