Rampellini: Oaklawn horses to watch for week of April 13

ILLUSSION ARTIST

Trainer: Brad Cox
Last Race: April 8, 9th
Finish: 1st by 1 1/2 lengths
Beyer: 92

She cut back to one turn for the $150,000 Carousel and booked it up the rail to catch a loose-on-the-lead runner. Illussion Artist, who showed a great deal of determination, could be closer to the pace next time in her second straight sprint start. The outing is scheduled to come in the Winning Colors at Churchill Downs, according to trainer Brad Cox.

FRIEND OF LIBERTY
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last Race: April 6, 8th
Finish: 2nd by three quarters of a length
Beyer: 81

She did not get the break from the rail in a high-end optional claiming sprint for 3-year-old fillies, but put in a strong stretch bid to finish a close second to a quality kind of winner. She could be closer to the pace next time, with a better start.

RIVERS RUN DEEP
Trainer: Chris Hartman
Last Race: April 7, 8th
Finish: 3rd by 3 1/2 lengths
Beyer: 84

He launched his season in an allowance sprint and finished a credible third in his first out since November. The winner of the race, Recount, covered six furlongs in a blazing 1:09.33. Rivers Run Deep will now target the Ohio-bred sprint stakes available to him, said trainer Chris Hartman.

ALL LACED UP
Trainer: Ron Moquett
Last Race: April 8, 6th
Finish: 1st by 2 1/4 lengths
Beyer: 72
She overcame a slow start to win her debut in a maiden special weight sprint for 3-year-old fillies, covering six furlongs in 1:10.80. She gets good pedigree support for two turns, as a daughter of Bernardini. She also is a half-sister to multiple Grade 2-winning millionaire Smooth Air. All Laced Up is to be based next at Churchill, according to co-owner Alex Lieblong.