In early January, his horse gearing up for his first timed workout following a post-Breeders’ Cup respite, trainer Brad Cox said everything would have to go right with Timberlake for the colt to make his 3-year-old debut in the Rebel Stakes. So far, everything has gone right, and Timberlake is on target to race Feb. 24 at Oaklawn Park in the Rebel. Cox also said at the time that Timberlake, fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, had retained a solid fitness level during his downtime, and that the colt, if he were going good, would quickly come to hand – a prescient perspective. Timberlake posted his first work of the winter on Jan. 20 and his fourth breeze, a powerhouse drill Feb. 10 at Fair Grounds, sealed his Rebel participation. “I feel a lot better about him being ready for the Rebel after Saturday’s work,” Cox said Monday. Timberlake, a son of Into Mischief, lacked consistency as a 2-year-old. Well beaten in his June 15 debut, he came back July 21 at Ellis Park and won a seven-furlong maiden race by more than nine lengths, earning an 87 Beyer Speed Figure. :: KENTUCKY DERBY 2024: Derby Watch, point standings, prep schedule, news, and more Timberlake finished a tame second as the favorite in the Grade 1 Hopeful at Saratoga before shining in the Grade 1 Champagne at Aqueduct, winning by more than four lengths. He gained little traction after stalking the pace in the BC Juvenile, checking in a well-beaten fourth, but Timberlake’s last work strongly suggested he could be a major divisional player. Already physically advanced as a 2-year-old, Timberlake has grown into a real beast, with Classic looks and a long, powerful stride. He dwarfed his workmate on Saturday, Smarty Jones winner Catching Freedom, and while Catching Freedom is not a strong work horse, Timberlake dominated him through the final furlong and on the gallop-out. “He’s always been good in the morning,” Cox said. “I think we’re in a good spot with him.” :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.