Hot Springs, AR (My Sportsbook) - Champion colt Lookin At Lucky made a successful debut Saturday as a three-year-old in the $300,000 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park. The 2009 champion two-year-old was the even-money favorite in the seven horse field.
The Rebel is the final local prep race before the $1 million Arkansas Derby, set for Saturday, April 10.
Trained by Bob Baffert, Lookin at Lucky was ridden by Garrett Gomez and broke from the two post. The Rebel was the colt's first career start outside of California.
Lookin at Lucky broke in a tangle when the field left the gate. He settled several lengths off the leaders as the field headed into the backstretch. Setting the pace was Royal Express with Uh Oh Bango in second and Cardiff Giant running in third.
Lookin At Lucky began his rally around the turn for home and was able to join the leaders at the top of the stretch. Noble's Promise had the lead in midstretch as the favorite continued to drive.
The two colts battled to the wire where Lookin At Lucky prevailed by a neck over Noble's Promise. Dublin finished third followed by Uh Oh Bango, Cardiff Giant, Pleasant Storm and Royal Express.
The time for the Rebel was 1:43.06 on a fast track.
Owned by Karl Watson, Mike Pegram and Paul Weltman, Lookin At Lucky earned $180,000 with the victory. He has won six of seven starts for more than $1.4 million.
The colt was second to Vale of York in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile last November, but came back to win the CashCall Futurity the following month at Hollywood Park.
Lookin At Lucky returned $4.20, $2.80 and $2.20. Noble's Promise paid $4.00 and $2.60, and Dublin paid $2.40 to show.