Trainer Mac Robertson won the $300,000 Grade 2 Rebel Stakes on Saturday at Oaklawn Park with Win Willy at odds of 56-1. Win Willy broke his maiden at Canterbury Park in his August debut and was trying a route of ground for the first time for Robertson, leading trainer at the Shakopee track the past four seasons.
The 3-year-old son of Monarchos is owned by Jer-Mar Stables (Jerry and Marlene Myers of Minneapolis).
The odds on favorite and top Kentucky Derby choice for many, Old Fashioned, was on the lead in mid stretch when Cliff Berry and Win Willy began rolling down the center of the lane. They zipped past to win by more than two lengths and returned $115.60. Watch the replay on the sidebar to the right.
On-site correspondant Andrew Offerman reported that Mac, reslpendent in shirt and tie, was nearly speechless following the biggest win of his career. Should the horse come out of the race in fine fettle, the next step would be The Arkansas Derby in April.
Hamazing Destiny, previously trained by Robertson before a private purchase by trainer D. Wayne Lukas, finished a distance eighth.
Win Willy created a buzz in the Canterbury Racebook. It has been a long time since a horse campaigned here joined the Derby trail.
View From The Quarter Pole by David Miller
DRF story
