Nadal solidified himself as a top Kentucky Derby (G1) contender on Saturday with a front-running victory in the $1 million Rebel S. (G2) at Oaklawn Park.

The 3-year-old colt is undefeated in three starts, collecting a maiden win and a victory in the San Vicente S. (G2) prior to Saturday's victory.

The Rebel, which Baffert has now won seven times, was the first two-turn start for the son of Blame. Breaking from the inside post, Nadal and No Parole sped to the front immediately, with American Theorem joining the fray soon after. No Parole backed off, leaving the other pair to battle through three-quarters in 1:11.38. 

Nadal pulled clear of his foe with entering the stretch, then dug in to hold off Excession by three-quarters of a length. The top pair were seven lengths clear of the rest of the field.

“We were hoping for that outcome,” said Baffert. “We knew he was a good horse, but until they go two turns … and then the way it set up, the speed duel and all. Pretty impressive when they can just keep going like that. Only the really good ones can do that. I was just fortunate that (Oaklawn) even ran the race, right now with the way things are. Crazy.” 

Nadal runs for George Bolton, Arthur Hoyeau, Barry Lipman and Mark Mathiesen. He has earned $753,000.