BY BROCK SHERIDAN
Tristar Farm’s Rebel With a Cause progresses up another rung on the class latter Sunday at Saratoga Race Course when the Florida-bred colt faces six other 3-year-olds in the $225,000 Mahony Stakes (Grade 3). A first-time stakes winner last out in the $104,000 My Frenchman going five-and-a-half furlongs on the turf at Monmouth Park, Rebel With a Cause remains at that distance on the Mellon Turf Course Sunday.
He will also vie for a $5,000 Export Incentive from the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association for breeders Diane and David John Osterholt of Ocala, Florida with a victory outside Florida at this level.
In one tumultuous race as a 2-year-old, Rebel With a Cause was off the board in a Keeneland maiden special weight in October. But it has been a different story so far as a sophomore having racked up three wins in four starts in 2026.
Switched to the turf for the first time to begin the year, Rebel With a Cause came from fifth to win a five-furlong, $50,000 maiden optional claiming by three-and-a-half lengths at Gulfstream in February. His debut on synthetic was more impressive next race, as he took a five-furlong, first level allowance for Florida-breds by three lengths on March 5 at Gulfstream then his only loss this year came next out at Churchill Downs. He finished fourth behind winner Outfielder in the Listed William Walker going five-and-a-half furlongs on the turf but bounced back with an authoritative score in the My Frenchman on July 11, winning by a length-and-a-quarter.
By Leinster out of Glenwood Pines, by Mizzen Mast, Rebel With a Cause is a two-time graduate of Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company. He was a $10,000 selection by Gayle Woods out of the Bobby Jones consignment at the 2024 OBS Winter Mixed Sale but did not meet his reserve in last year’s OBS March Sale.
Trained by Lauren Dobson, has earned $131,012 from three wins in five starts.
Rebel With a Cause will team up with jockey Javier Castellano for the first time Sunday and will break from the inside stall.
Rebel With a Cause is 8-1 on the morning line and has an opportunity to avenge his loss to Outfielder, who is the program favorite at even money.
Outfielder has three starts this year including a four-and-a-half-length victory in the $248,000 Animal Kingdom on synthetic at Turfway Park in March. He returns stateside after most recently finishing tenth in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Ascot on June 19.
Outfield is by Speightstown out of Notte d’Oro, by Medaglia d’Oro and has banked $454,296 from four wins in seven starts for Ward, who owns the bay colt in partnership with Amo Racing USA and Two Eight Racing.
Also entered are Oscar’s Hope with Junior Alvarado named to ride, Intricate Spirit and jockey Manny Franco, Flavien Praty has the assignment on Big Distroyer, Learntodiscover (GB) will have Tyler Gaffalione in the irons and Jose Ortiz rides Stradale.
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