Asmussen: Midnight Bisou on schedule for Alabama Stakes

Trainer Steve Asmussen has enjoyed a successful beginning to his Saratoga meet. Asmussen, who was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2016, entered Thursday's card with 10 wins from 27 starters through 11 days of racing, including four wins from four starters between Monday and Wednesday.

More could be on the way.

Midnight Bisou has emerged well from her runner-up finish to Monomoy Girl in the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks on July 22 and remains on course for the Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama Stakes at 1 ¼ miles on August 18, said her trainer.

"She's a nice filly and the opportunity to run a filly of her quality in the Alabama is very special," he said.

Also, Multiple Grade 1 winner Bolt d'Oro has been jogging and galloping regularly since joining Asmussen's string on July 20. His conditioner said there is no timetable to breeze the 3-year-old Medaglia d'Oro colt, nor any clear-cut targets on the horizon.

"He's a freakishly impressive horse both physically and mentally," said Asmussen. "He's very intelligent. He's a pleasure to be around - and that's the understatement of the day. [He will breeze] whenever he is ready."

Topping the barn's wins so far this meet was Tenfold's three-quarter-length victory in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy on July 28. The Jim Dandy was the first stakes win for Winchell Thoroughbred's 3-year-old Curlin colt. Prior to that, he was fifth in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, third in the Grade 1 Preakness, and fifth in the Grade 1 Belmont. Asmussen said Tenfold will work twice before the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes on August 25.

"He ran well [in the Jim Dandy] and came out of it well. Travers is the next step," said Asmussen.