Red River Rebel Breaks Maiden in Frost King

TORONTO, ON – Denny Andrews and Northern Dawn Stables homebred Red River Rebel broke his maiden with a strong stretch-run effort in Friday’s $100,000 Frost King Stakes at Woodbine.

The Frost King was originally slated to be run this past Sunday, November 15, but the entire card was canceled due to an extreme weather warning.

Red River Rebel was the 6/1 third choice as he broke from post 7 under Steven Bahen and settled into a three-wide stalking position while Forest Survivor set the early pace.

After safely angling toward the rail in the far turn, Red River Rebel found a wide opening at the top of the stretch and skimmed his way to the lead at the 1/16 pole. 

The Rachel Halden trainee drew off late to win the 6 1/2-furlong fast synthetic sprint by 2 1/2 lengths in 1:16.05.

“I think he can be any kind of horse; he’s just learning now,” Bahen said. “He was kind of a little silly guy and he’s learned a lot since we’ve had him and he’s doing well. He’s moving forwardly and hopefully he gets even better.”

Though caught in deep stretch, Forest Survivor fought on to save second by 3/4 of a length over Candy Overload (who shares the same ownership as the winner), while All Canadian nosed out Avoman for fourth.

The 5/2 favorite Dragon’s Brew, Souper Classy, De Only Solution, and Blind Trust completed the order of finish in the race restricted to Ontario-sired 2-year-olds.

Red River Rebel’s victory followed a third-place effort in his debut here on October 23. The Reload gelding has now earned $51,284.

“He ran real good his first start, but he did get a little tired,” Bahen said. “He came back and he trained real good. I’ve been galloping him and he’s been training really well, so I knew he was good today.”

Red River Rebel returned $14.90 to win, $7.80 to place, and $5.60 to show. Forest Survivor brought back $18.90 to place and $12.50 to show, while Candy Overload paid $5.90 to show.