Rated R Superstar, Snapper Sinclair could rematch in Oaklawn Handicap

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – A rematch is brewing between Rated R Superstar and Snapper Sinclair, both of whom finished a head apart when running a respective one-two in the $350,000 Essex Handicap on Saturday at Oaklawn.

The connections for both said they are being pointed to the Grade 2, $750,000 Oaklawn Handicap on April 13.

Rated R Superstar made a four-wide move around the final turn and edged Snapper Sinclair on the wire. Rated R Superstar covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.66. Both horses earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 93.

Rated R Superstar races for Crystal Racing Enterprises and trainer Cipriano Contreras.

“He came out of the race looking really good,” Contreras said Monday. “The plan right now is the Oaklawn Handicap. I think the mile and an eighth will suit him a little better.”

Rated R Superstar is based at Oaklawn. Contreras also has a division of his stable at Turfway.

Jeff Bloom, who owns Snapper Sinclair, said Sunday that the horse is being pointed to the Oaklawn Handicap. Snapper Sinclair was an allowance winner at Oaklawn in February.