Volatile has Churchill buzzing day after 'incredible' performance

Phoenix Thoroughbred III and Three Chimneys Farm’s top-class sprinter Volatile earned a stout 109 Brisnet Speed Figure with his eye-catching eight-length score in Saturday’s $100,000 Aristides.

Volatile, trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, was two one-hundredths of a second off the 13-year-old track record when he stopped the clock in a scorching 1:07.57 for six furlongs. The racetrack was still buzzing Sunday morning after Volatile recorded what some deemed one of the most impressive performances they have seen beneath the Twin Spires.

“I’ve been around horses for a long time and to see a horse have that much acceleration, so quickly, is incredible,” said retired trainer and Churchill Downs racing official Steve Penrod

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With Volatile’s victory in the Aristides, Asmussen moved one win closer to becoming Churchill Downs’ all-time leading trainer. Asmussen trailed Dale Romans 737-to-736 wins at the start of Sunday’s 10-race program at Churchill Downs.

“It’s been a little bit frustrating not getting there yet,” Asmussen said. “We are thankful a horse like Volatile got us one step closer to that mark.”

Asmussen had three horses entered on Sunday while Romans had one.