Concert Tour leads 1-2 Rebel S. (G2) finish

Undefeated Concert Tour took a big step on the way to the Kentucky Derby (G1) with a commanding 4 1/4-length victory over stablemate Hozier in Saturday’s $1 million Rebel S. (G2) at Oaklawn Park.

Concert Tour, who won the San Vicente S. (G2) in his previous start, earned 50 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby Challenge, virtually assuring himself a spot in the starting gate in the May 1 Run for the Roses.

Concert Tour and jockey Joel Rosario outran the speedy Caddo River into the first turn to take the early lead. The bay colt settled nicely to lead the field through a half-mile in :47.53 and six furlongs in 1:12 flat. With plenty left for the stretch run, he scampered away from the field to finish the 1 1/16-miles in 1:43.18 and earn his second straight Beyer Speed Figure of 94. Hozier closed from well off the pace to run second. 

“That was nice, impressive,” Baffert said. “I’m just happy to run one-two. That’s pretty huge. I’m just glad they showed up. I just told Rosario he’s fast. I know Caddo River’s fast. This horse going two turns first out, just play the break and do what you think is right. He’s a very, very fast horse. He looked like he was doing it pretty easily, though.”

Concert Tour, owned by his breeders Gary and Mary West, has earned $756,600 in his three wins. He gave Baffert a record eighth win in the Rebel.