HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Trainer Steve Asmussen has three starters in the Southwest, including a gray son of Tapit invading from Fair Grounds. Last year, an Asmussen trainee who fit that profile was Creator, who used his late run to win the Arkansas Derby and Belmont Stakes. This year, that prospect is Zing Zang. “By pedigree, color and style, we’re hoping he’s Creator,” said Asmussen, who trains Zing Zang for Jackpot Farm. Zing Zang won a maiden race coming from next to last in December at Fair Grounds, then last out was a fast-closing fourth in the track’s Grade 3 Lecomte on Jan. 13. “I think he competed well against good horses, but I’m hoping he shows the difference in form that Creator did from the Fair Grounds to Oaklawn,” Asmussen said. “Oaklawn is just more conducive to their style. It worked for Creator.” Zing Zang has worked twice at Oaklawn, with one of those drills coming in company with fellow Southwest entrant Retirement Fund.Retirement Fund is undefeated in two starts, both routes at Fair Grounds. He was a 7 1/4-length debut winner in a maiden special weight Dec. 22, then captured an allowance by two lengths Jan. 20. “He was a surprise to me first time out because of how laid-back his attitude is,” Asmussen said. “This is considerably deeper water than what he’s faced before, but he deserved the opportunity.” ◗ West Point Thoroughbreds, which won last year’s Kentucky Derby as a partner in Always Dreaming, will be represented in the Southwest with Seven Trumpets. He exits the Jerome at Aqueduct, a race in which he set the pace over a laboring track and finished second by a half-length. Seven Trumpets will break from post 6 under Robby Albarado. “He’ll be up close to the pace,” trainer Dale Romans said. ◗ Oaklawn is giving away a poster of Gun Runner winning last year’s Razorback Handicap to the first 1,000 patrons Monday. Asmussen will be signing the posters for a $5 donation, with the proceeds earmarked for the Thoroughbred aftercare charity Second Stride.