Rampellini: Oaklawn horses to watch for week of March 27
Vertical Oak
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Last race: March 25, 9th
Finish: 4th by 2 1/2
Beyer: 76
She broke from the rail in the $150,000 Purple Martin Stakes and was forced to check down the backside in the six-furlong race for 3-year-old fillies. She got started again, and put in a strong bid up the inside to finish fourth. She was elevated to third due to the disqualification of the winner, who stewards judged to have impeded Vertical Oak. She’s been effective sprinting, and her pedigree indicates she could do well routing.
Well Mannered
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Last race: March 26, 5th
Finish: 5th by 4 1/2
Beyer: 62
He has hooked a series of quality sprinters over the last year or so – like Runhappy, Weast Hill, and Union Jackson – in fast races. Although he dropped into the $15,000 claiming ranks last time, he still caught a bear in win machine Internet Success. Well Mannered was claimed out of the race by Karl Broberg.
Set the Trappe
Trainer: Robertino Diodoro
Last race: March 25, 2nd
Finish: 5th by 8
Beyer: 65
Front-runner found himself racing much farther off the pace than usual in a quick conditioned-claiming sprint. He did, however, make up some ground in the stretch. Earlier in his career, Set the Trappe ran in the Grade 1 Hopeful. He was a $25,000 claim out of his last race and went to the barn of trainer Robertino Diodoro.
Flummox
Trainer: Randy Morse
Last race: March 25, 5th
Finish: 2nd by 14
Beyer: 58
He has done his best work on the front end, but stalked the pace last time as the winner shook free and won off by 14 lengths. Flummox did well to rally for second. He started his career on the grass and perhaps he will show up on that surface following the meet at Oaklawn.