Rattataptap looks for better racing luck in Oaks

DEL MAR, Calif. – Rattataptap lost all chance for a win in the Grade 3 Senorita Stakes at a mile on turf June 27 at Del Mar when she was stuck in traffic with a quarter-mile to go. She finished fourth, a performance good enough to merit a start in the $300,000 Del Mar Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/8 miles on turf Saturday.

The Senorita was a source of frustration for trainer Phil D’Amato, who watched Rattataptap miss by 3 3/4 lengths to Prize Exhibit despite the trouble.

“I thought she would have been right there,” D’Amato said Wednesday. “I wouldn’t say she would have beaten [Prize Exhibit], but she could have been second.”

Rattataptap, who races for Mark Dedomenico, Tom Durant, and Michael House, is part of a projected field of seven in the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks. The field will include Prize Exhibit and Paulina’s Love, who was third in the San Clemente Handicap. Other expected starters are Her Emmynency, Majestic Heat, Sharla Rae, and Sunset Glow.

D’Amato said Long Hot Summer, who was second in the Senorita, will not run in the Del Mar Oaks but will be considered for Sunday’s $150,000 Solana Beach Handicap for fillies and mares at a mile on turf or an allowance race.