HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) Cupid led nearly from wire-to-wire Saturday to capture the Rebel Stakes and propel another Bob Baffert-trained horse toward the Kentucky Derby.
The gray colt won its first race six weeks ago at Santa Anita, then shipped off to Oaklawn Park, where Baffert had five Rebel winners since 2010. Last year's - American Pharoah - went on to win the Triple Crown.
Cupid took the rail early, opened a two-length lead in the far corner and outran Whitmore to the finish line. Creator finished third.
In the Kentucky Derby point standings to determine which horses may enter, Cupid is tied for fourth. Another Baffert-trained horse, Mor Spirit, is seventh. With Mor Spirit already pointed to the April 9 Santa Anita Derby, look for Cupid to make his next start in the Arkansas Derby April 16, given Baffert's success here.
