Dominating G2 Rebel win puts The Factor squarely in Derby picture

In the quick 1:42.19 it took The Factor to navigate the 1 1/16 miles of the Rebel S. (G2) at Oaklawn Park on March 19, he proved he could carry his speed away from his home track in Santa Anita and in the process served warning that his natural speed is going to be very tough to handle wherever he runs.

The Factor was making his first start around two turns after winning the San Vicente S. (G3) in typical front-running style at Santa Anita last month. The $300,000 Rebel was supposed to provide a test for the talented 3-year-old, and he elevated his game once again, crushing his foes by 6 1/4-lengths after leading every step of the way. The 103 Beyer Speed Figure was his third consecutive triple-digit number and equaled what he posted in the San Vicente.

“It was pretty amazing what he did today,” said Baffert, who became the fourth trainer to score back-to-back wins in the Rebel; eventual 3-year-old champion Lookin At Lucky took the race last year. “This was a more demanding track than Santa Anita and he probably got more out of this than any race so far.”

The Factor is co-owned by George Bolton and Fog City Stable. Immediately after the win, Bolton was enthusiastic about returning to Oaklawn for the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1) April 16. “We love it here,” he said. “As long as (The Factor) comes out of it well, I’m sure we will come back.”

The Factor will ship back to Baffert’s barn at Santa Anita, and Baffert reported that he will explore his options once the colt has spent a few days returning to his routine. “I have a lot of options with him,” Baffert said. “I could go anywhere. He’s nominated everywhere. You never know where I’m going to go.”

Bolton purchased his colt in last year’s Barretts May sale for $250,000. The gray or roan colt has now won three of four starts, earning $304,680.