HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) – Greater Good broke fast, eased into the pack and stormed past previously unbeaten Rockport Harbor late in the stretch Saturday to win the $250,000 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park by a half-length.

A winner in four of five previous races, Greater Good was carrying top weight of 122 pounds in the 1 1/16th mile race, a prep for the Kentucky Derby.

After his mount broke quickly from the outside gate, jockey John McKee eased him into the middle of the field as Rockport Harbor opened up a 3-length lead along the backstretch.

Favorite Afleet Alex challenged Rockport Harbor in the final turn, but faded badly in the stretch despite John Velazquez’s whip.

Rockport Harbor was making his first start since injuring his right rear leg while winning the Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct last November. He suffered a bruised foot since his arrival at Oaklawn over the winter and trainer John Servis had said his horse was at perhaps 75 percent, maybe 80 percent.

Greater Good and Rockport Harbor, two black colts, dueled over the last eighth-mile, with the winner catching “Rocky” at the 16th pole. Despite the loss, Rockport Harbor is expected to remain a Kentucky Derby hopeful as his recovery continues.

The same cannot be said for Afleet Alex, which gave away suddenly late.

Greater Good paid $11.20, $4.00 and $11.20 and Rockport Harbor, ridden by Stewart Elliott, paid $3.40 and $9.80.

Batson Challenge, off at 60-1, finished third and paid $31.60 to show. Calvin Borel took advantage of Afleet Alex’s poor showing and the lack of speed in the race’s other two horses and finished nearly four lengths behind the winners.

Copy My Notes, whom Greater Good trainer Bob Holthus entered as a “rabbit” to help set a pace for his stablemate, never challenged. Neither did Jazzy Gallop, who was shipped up from the Fair Grounds in New Orleans as trainer Steve Asmussen hoped to break into the money given the questions about Rockport Harbor’s recovery.

The winner’s share of the race, a Grade III stakes, was $150,000, with $50,000 for second and $25,000 for third.

AP-ES-03-19-05 1941EST