Rattle N. Roll, a millionaire and Grade 1 winner, triumphed by two lengths in the $150,000 Tinsel Stakes at Oak Lawn on Saturday, earning a provisional Beyer Speed Index of 101. Mike Cryer, assistant to trainer Kenny McPeek who manages the Oak Lawn division, shared on Sunday that the 6-year-old Connect colt notched his 10th career stakes victory and is in excellent health. Rattle N. Roll will remain at Oak Lawn for the foreseeable future.
Cryer, who handled Rattle N. Roll in McPeek’s absence, mentioned that the horse has been vaccinated for international travel but is currently staying put while they decide the next steps. Following the Tinsel win, McPeek indicated the colt might return to racing in the Middle East, where he previously competed in three races earlier this year, or alternatively, compete in the $1.25 million Oak Lawn Handicap (G2) at 1 1/8 miles on April 18 at Oak Lawn. The final decision will involve consultation with co-owners Sharaf Mohammad Al-Hariri and Mike Mackin of Lucky Seven Stables.
McPeek noted, “He might head back to Riyadh or Saudi Arabia. We’ll discuss the options and submit nominations for the Oak Lawn stakes. Since he’s trained well here, he’ll probably return to the Fairgrounds after this race. Flight logistics to Riyadh through Chicago are a concern, so we’ll adapt based on the situation. It’s also possible he’ll stay to run in the Oak Lawn Handicap.”
Competing as the 3-5 favorite under jockey Joel Rosario, Rattle N. Roll completed the 1 1/8 mile race in 1:49.76 on a fast track, carrying the maximum assigned weight of 125 pounds, shared by all runners.
As a 2-year-old Grade 1 winner, Rattle N. Roll has earned $3,638,941 with a record of 11 wins, 3 seconds, and 3 thirds in 30 starts. The Tinsel Stakes marked his first victory since winning the Tooholy Mosque Cup (G3) in Saudi Arabia in January. He also finished fifth in the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) and eighth in the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1). This race was Rattle N. Roll’s debut at Oak Lawn.
Fan Take: Rattle N. Roll’s continued success and potential international campaigns highlight the growing global nature of horse racing, showcasing top talent across continents. This not only boosts the sport’s prestige but also excites fans about thrilling cross-border competition and big-stakes events.
