HOT SPRINGS, AR – Lightly raced Class President stamped himself as a serious Kentucky Derby contender Sunday at Oaklawn Park, getting his nose down at the wire to win the $1 million Rebel Stakes (G2) before an estimated crowd of 29,000.
Matching strides with Silent Tactic over the final 100 yards, Class President battled back under Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez to secure the dramatic victory in the 1 1/16-mile Kentucky Derby prep.
Making just his third career start — his first around two turns and first outside Florida — the Todd Pletcher trainee passed every test. It marked Pletcher’s third career Rebel victory and delivered 50 qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby.
Silent Tactic finished second, 5 ¼ lengths clear of 3-2 favorite Litmus Test, who was attempting to give Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert a record-extending ninth Rebel score. Litmus Test weakened late after setting the pace into the second turn.
Blackout Time finished fourth in his 3-year-old debut, followed by Soldier N Diplomat, Strategic Risk, Honey’s to Blame, Rancho Santa Fe, and Time for Music.
How the Race Unfolded
Litmus Test set a sharp early tempo, posting a :46.62 half-mile with Class President tracking just behind. Approaching the quarter pole, Class President ranged up on the outside and took command turning for home.
Meanwhile, Silent Tactic launched a sweeping four-wide move and surged into contention. Class President clung to a head advantage in midstretch before Silent Tactic briefly poked in front inside the final 50 yards. Class President refused to yield, rallying back along the rail to win in 1:43.21 over a fast track.
The 8-1 winner returned $19, $9, and $5, boosting his career bankroll to $593,700 with his second victory. A son of Uncle Mo, he entered off a runner-up finish in the Swale Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park.
The Rebel awarded 105 total Derby points (50-25-15-10-5) to the top five finishers.
Oaklawn’s Kentucky Derby prep series concludes with the Arkansas Derby (G1) on March 28.
Racing Dudes Called It
If you were rolling with the Racing Dudes on Sunday, you were cashing.
We tabbed Class President as the play in our Rebel Stakes coverage, highlighting his upside stretching out to two turns and projecting improvement in just his third career start. The public let him go at 8-1 — and he made them pay, returning $19 on the win end.
It was another example of trusting developing 3-year-olds with the right connections, the right progression pattern, and the right trip scenario. When the gates opened, the value was there — and Class President delivered.
Rebel Stakes Quotes
Winning Jockey John Velazquez (Class President):
“I thought I got it (photo). I was a little fearful because he got a little bit sharp going into the first turn. I let (the reins loose) and he was perfect from then on. I was happy and where I wanted to be. When we came down the stretch and the other horse passed him, he responded.”
Winning Trainer Todd Pletcher via Text (Class President):
“Very excited about his effort. We’ve been looking forward to getting him around two turns.”
Winning Co-Owner Elliott Walden, Win Star Farm (Class President):
“It’s just really exciting. It’s a homebred, too. The farm’s very appreciative. Todd did a great job. Johnny did a great job. Looked Litmus Test in the eye turning for home and then went on, so this horse is really improving. Super excited.”
Second-Place Jockey Cristian Torres (Silent Tactic):
“Tough beat, but that’s the game. He (Class President) beat me running. My horse, I’m happy with his effort. He ran how we were expecting him to run. We had a great trip and it worked out perfectly. We just got beat today.”
Third-Place Trainer Bob Baffert via Phone (Litmus Test):
“I talked to (Flavien) Prat and he basically said that he was in the 1 hole, it’s a big horse, and he could probably get him going. He’s never trained like that. He’s a one-run kind of horse. He had to be farther back and make one run. He didn’t get tired. He was just sort of one pace, but you learn about these horses. Unfortunately, I learned in the (Kentucky) Derby about how Point Given wanted to run. It happens. Those were nice horses that beat him. He didn’t run bad, but we were hoping for a win. That’s why they have these races.”
Fourth-Place Jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. (Blackout Time):
“He ran good. He ran really, really good for not running in so long. He put himself in a great spot. Turning for home, you could tell he was just going to be a little tired.”
