Rampellini: Oaklawn horses to watch for week of March 23, 2020
ISTAN COUNCIL
Trainer: Larry Jones
Last race: March 20, 8th
Finish: 4th by 5 1/2
Beyer: 75
She caught Grade 1 winner Mia Mischief in an allowance sprint and closed from last for fourth to that one in the six-furlong race, which marked Istan Council’s first out since October. Trainer Larry Jones said the filly has indicated she wants two turns and that’s the direction he intends to go with her this season.
:: To stay up to date, follow us on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
HALE’s ANGEL
Trainer: James Hale
Last race: March 19, 9th
Finish: 3rd by 1 1/4
Beyer: 34
She made her first start since July in a $16,000 maiden claiming sprint for Arkansas-bred fillies and mares and broke last of all from the rail in a large field. She spotted her rivals a number of lengths, but kept running through the stretch and finished an unexpected third. She also galloped out strongly.
BIG RETURNS
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: March 22, 8th
Finish: 1st by 2 1/2
Beyer: 89
He raced on a wet track for the first time in his career last out and liked it, winning an optional $80,000 claiming sprint for 3-year-olds at 61-1. He earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure. The start was his first in the overnight ranks since he won his maiden, and it came following a sixth-place finish to Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf runner-up Billy Batts in a stakes at Santa Anita.