Workouts: Asmussen breezes 5 at Keeneland for Breeders’ Cup

Trainer Steve Asmussen, who hopes to build on his record of eight victories in the Breeders’ Cup, had five candidates for this year’s event work over Keeneland’s fast main track early Sunday.

Grade 1-winning fillies Clairière and Society worked together in 59.8 seconds for the fastest five-furlong works of the morning in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff on Nov. 5. Fractions for the work were 11.8, 23.8, 35.6, 47.6, 59.8 and out six furlongs in 1:13.2.

STAKES TRACKER: See where these workers may race next.

Epicenter, a contender for the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 5, worked five furlongs in company in 1:00.2. Fractions were 12.6, 24.6, 37.4, 1:00.2 and out six furlongs in 1:14.0.

Also working were champion Echo Zulu for the Filly & Mare Sprint and Grand Love for the Juvenile Fillies. Each breezed in company going five furlongs with Echo Zulu timed at 1:02.8, working with Marsalis, and Grand Love at 1:00.60, working with Bella Runner.

“They put in good, solid moves,” Asmussen said. “They came out of it good and cooled out nicely, and we’ve got Jackie’s Warrior (on Monday). I am extremely pleased with how the preparation has gone. The weather has been excellent. The race track is in good shape, and I love the shape they are in.”

The Asmussen workers were among 35 graded-stakes winners who breezed Sunday morning across North America.

Echo Zulu (Gun Runner), a three-time Grade 1 winner (2021 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, 2021 Frizette, 2021 Spinaway), worked five furlongs in 1:02.8 at Keeneland on Sunday morning. It was the 25th fastest of 34 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Keeneland. In her last start she won the Dogwood (G3) going seven furlongs on the main track at Churchill Downs on Sept. 24 for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Clairière (Curlin), a two-time Grade 1 winner (2022 Ogden Phipps, 2021 Cotillion), worked five furlongs in 59.8 seconds at Keeneland. It was the fastest of 34 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Keeneland. In her last start she placed fifth in the Personal Ensign (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Saratoga on Aug. 27 for Asmussen.

Society (Gun Runner), a Grade 1 winner (2022 Cotillion), worked five furlongs in 59.8 seconds at Keeneland. It was the fastest of 34 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Keeneland. In her last start she won the Cotillion (G1) going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Parx Racing on Sept. 24 for Asmussen.

Epicenter (Not This Time), a Grade 1 winner (2022 Runhappy Travers), worked five furlongs in 1:00.2 at Keeneland. It was the third fastest of 34 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Keeneland. In his last start he won the Travers (G1) going 1 1/4 miles on the main track at Saratoga on Aug. 27 for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Secret Oath (Arrogate), a Grade 1 winner (2022 Kentucky Oaks), worked one mile in 1:45.0 at Churchill Downs. It was the only work at the distance. Her previous work was nine days ago going five furlongs at Churchill Downs. In her last start she placed third in the Cotillion (G1) going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Parx Racing on Sept. 24 for trainer D. Wayne Lukas.

Kimari (Munnings), a Grade 1 winner (2021 Madison), worked five furlongs in 1:00.6 at Keeneland. It was the seventh fastest of 34 works at the distance. Her previous work was six days ago going five furlongs at Keeneland. In her last start she won the Gallant Bloom (G2) going 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track at Belmont At The Big A on Sept. 25 for trainer Wesley Ward.

Shantisara (Coulsty), a Grade 1 winner (2021 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup), worked four furlongs in 50.6 seconds at Saratoga. It was the 18th fastest of 21 works at the distance. Her previous work was six days ago going four furlongs at Saratoga. In her last start she placed second in the Jenny Wiley (G1) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Keeneland on April 16 for trainer Chad Brown.

Shirl’s Speight (Speightstown), a Grade 1 winner (2022 Maker’s Mark Mile), worked five furlongs in 1:01.0 at Woodbine. It was the third fastest of 21 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Woodbine. In his last start he placed fourth in the Woodbine Mile (G1) going one mile on the turf at Woodbine on Sept. 17 for trainer Roger Attfield.

Masteroffoxhounds (War Front), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2022 John Henry Turf Championship, 2021 San Marcos), worked four furlongs in 49.4 seconds at Santa Anita. It was the 21st fastest of 36 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he won the John Henry Turf Championship (G2) going 1 1/4 miles on the turf at Santa Anita on Oct. 1 for trainer Phil D’Amato.

Decorated Invader (Declaration of War), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2020 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, 2020 Pennine Ridge), worked five furlongs in 1:01.0 on turf at Saratoga. It was the fastest of five works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Saratoga. In his last start he placed second in an allowance race going one mile on the turf at Pimlico on Sept. 24 for trainer Christophe Clément.

Silver Prospector (Declaration of War), a Grade 2 winner (2019 Kentucky Jockey Club), worked five furlongs in 1:01.8 at Churchill Downs. It was the 19th fastest of 41 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed sixth in the Ack Ack (G3) going one mile on the main track at Churchill Downs on Oct. 1 for Asmussen.

Law Professor (Constitution), a Grade 2 winner (2021 Santa Anita Mathis Mile), worked four furlongs in 50.5 seconds at Belmont Park. It was the 20th fastest of 29 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed second in the Woodward (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Belmont At The Big A on Oct. 1 for trainer Rob Atras.

Plum Ali (First Samurai), a Grade 2 winner (2020 Miss Grillo), worked four furlongs in 51.9 seconds on turf at Belmont Park. It was the 19th fastest of 24 works at the distance. Her previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In her last start she placed second in the All Along going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Pimlico on Sept. 10 for Clément.

Chess Chief (Into Mischief), a Grade 2 winner (2021 New Orleans Classic), worked four furlongs in 48.4 seconds at Churchill Downs. It was the 12th fastest of 79 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed sixth in the Lukas Classic (G2) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Churchill Downs on Oct. 1 for trainer Dallas Stewart.

Stolen Base (Bodemeister), a Grade 2 winner (2022 American Turf), worked five furlongs in 1:00.6 at Churchill Training. It was the second fastest of 14 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Churchill Training. In his last start he placed seventh in the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame (G2) going one mile on the turf at Saratoga on Aug. 5 for trainer Mike Maker.

Ain’t Easy (Into Mischief), a Grade 2 winner (2021 Chandelier), worked five furlongs in 1:01.4 at Santa Anita. It was the 21st fastest of 56 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Santa Anita. In her last start she placed sixth in the Great Lady M (G2) going 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track at Los Alamitos on July 4 for trainer D’Amato.

Laurel River (Into Mischief), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Pat O’Brien), worked five furlongs in 1:00.0 at Santa Anita. It was the second fastest of 56 works at the distance. His previous work was six days ago going six furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he won the Pat O’Brien (G2) going seven furlongs on the main track at Del Mar on Aug. 27 for trainer Bob Baffert.

First Captain (Curlin), a two-time Grade 3 winner (2022 Pimlico Special, 2021 Dwyer), worked four furlongs in 49.0 seconds at Belmont Park. It was the eighth fastest of 29 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going six furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed third in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) going 1 1/4 miles on the main track at Saratoga on Sept. 3 for trainer Shug McGaughey.

Happy Farm (Ghostzapper), a Grade 3 winner (2019 Fall Highweight), worked four furlongs in 50.7 seconds at Belmont Park. It was the 132nd fastest of 157 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed second in an allowance race going 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track at Belmont At The Big A on Sept. 30 for trainer Michael Miceli.

Château (Flat Out), a Grade 3 winner (2021 Tom Fool Handicap), worked three furlongs in 39.3 seconds at Belmont Park. It was the 26th fastest of 26 works at the distance. His previous work was 97 days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed third in an allowance race going six furlongs on the main track at Belmont Park on June 17 for Atras.

American Power (Power Broker), a Grade 3 winner (2021 Toboggan), worked four furlongs in 52.9 seconds at Belmont Park. It was the 28th fastest of 29 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed second in a claiming race going seven furlongs on the main track at Belmont At The Big A on Sept. 25 for Atras.

Tide of the Sea (English Channel), a Grade 3 winner (2021 W. L. McKnight), worked four furlongs in 51.0 seconds at Belmont Park. It was the 141st fastest of 157 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed sixth in an allowance race going 1 3/8 miles on the turf at Belmont At The Big A on Sept. 16 for trainer Tom Morley.

City Man (Mucho Macho Man), a Grade 3 winner (2022 Forbidden Apple), worked four furlongs in 50.8 seconds on turf at Belmont Park. It was the 14th fastest of 24 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he won the Ashley T. Cole going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Belmont At The Big A on Sept. 24 for Clément.

Stolen Holiday (War Front), a Grade 3 winner (2022 Eatontown), worked four furlongs in 48.7 seconds on turf at Belmont Park. It was the fifth fastest of 24 works at the distance. Her previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In her last start she won the Eatontown (G3) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Monmouth Park on June 18 for McGaughey.

Jaxon Traveler (Munnings), a Grade 3 winner (2022 Maryland Sprint), worked four furlongs in 49.8 seconds at Belmont Park. It was the 94th fastest of 157 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed second in the Lite the Fuse going six furlongs on the main track at Pimlico on Sept. 10 for Asmussen.

Midnight Stroll (Not This Time), a Grade 3 winner (2022 Delaware Oaks), worked four furlongs in 46.7 seconds at Belmont Park. It was the third fastest of 157 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going six furlongs at Belmont Park. In her last start she placed third in the Charles Town Oaks (G3) going seven furlongs on the main track at Charles Town on Aug. 26 for trainer John Terranova.

Hidden Connection (Connect), a Grade 3 winner (2021 Pocahontas), worked four furlongs in 49.4 seconds at Churchill Downs. It was the 37th fastest of 79 works at the distance. Her previous work was eight days ago going three furlongs at Churchill Downs. In her last start she placed 12th in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Churchill Downs on May 6 for trainer Bret Calhoun.

Captivating Moon (Malibu Moon), a Grade 3 winner (2021 Fair Grounds), worked five furlongs in 1:00.0 at Hawthorne. It was the fastest of 14 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Hawthorne. In his last start he placed second in the Outbound Ike going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Hawthorne on June 25 for trainer Chris Block.

Totally Boss (Street Boss), a Grade 3 winner (2019 Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint), worked four furlongs in 48.4 seconds at Keeneland. It was the second fastest of 50 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Keeneland. In his last start he placed seventh in the Turf Sprint (G2) going six furlongs on the turf at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 10 for trainer Rusty Arnold.

Guildsman (Wootton Bassett), a Grade 3 winner (2020 Franklin-Simpson), worked five furlongs in 1:00.8 at Keeneland. It was the 10th fastest of 34 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Keeneland. In his last start he placed eighth in a claiming race going one mile on the turf at Santa Anita on May 21 for trainer Robert Falcone Jr.

Cordmaker (Curlin), a Grade 3 winner (2022 General George), worked five furlongs in 1:00.0 at Laurel Park. It was the fastest of 26 works at the distance. His previous work was nine days ago going five furlongs at Laurel Park. In his last start he won the General George (G3) going seven furlongs on the main track at Laurel Park on Feb. 19 for trainer Rodney Jenkins.

Leader of the Band (Bandbox), a Grade 3 winner (2021 Monmouth Oaks), worked four furlongs in 50.4 seconds at Monmouth Park. It was the 56th fastest of 76 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed second in the Plum Pretty going one mile 70 yards on the main track at Parx Racing on Sept. 24 for trainer John Servis.

Domain Expertise (Kitten’s Joy), a Grade 3 winner (2021 Florida Oaks), worked four furlongs in 49.0 seconds at Monmouth Park. It was the 19th fastest of 76 works at the distance. Her previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Monmouth Park. In her last start she won the Florida Oaks (G3) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Tampa Bay Downs on March 6 for Brown.

Red Flag (Tamarkuz), a Grade 3 winner (2020 Bob Hope), worked four furlongs in 48.0 seconds at Santa Anita. It was the sixth fastest of 59 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he placed third in an allowance race going 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Santa Anita on June 12 for trainer John Shirreffs.

Dean Martini (Cairo Prince), a Grade 3 winner (2020 Ohio Derby), worked six furlongs in 1:13.4 at Santa Anita. It was the fastest of five works at the distance. His previous work was six days ago going five furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he placed sixth in the Cougar II (G3) going 1 1/2 miles on the main track at Del Mar on July 24 for trainer Peter Eurton.