After winning Azeri, Midnight Bisou targets Apple Blossom

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Jeff Bloom and trainer Steve Asmussen on Sunday morning were still savoring the performance Midnight Bisou had put on in the Grade 2, $350,000 Azeri Stakes on Saturday at Oakawn. She shuttled up the rail for a one-length win over a field that included fellow Grade 1 winners Elate, champion Shamrock Rose, and Eskimo Kisses.

“Goosebumps,” co-owner Bloom said of Midnight Bisou’s race Saturday.

“She’s next level,” said Asmussen.

Midnight Bisou, under Mike Smith, stalked the leaders through six furlongs in 1:12.80, got through along the inside, and rolled late. Midnight Bisou finished the 1 1/16-mile race for fillies and mares in 1:42.72 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 99.

“Obviously, it was a pretty slow pace for that caliber of horse, so Mike, recognizing that, knew that they were going to accelerate,” Asmussen said. “He held his position, and when a seam presented itself, she was good enough to get through.”

Asmussen said he was hoping to see a strong performance from Midnight Bisou.

“That’s how she’s been training,” he said.

Midnight Bisou prepped for the Azeri at Fair Grounds, but Asmussen said she now will remain at Oaklawn. Bloom said her next target is the Grade 1, $750,000 Apple Blossom on April 14 at Oaklawn. Midnight Bisou will be looking to improve her record this year to 3 for 3, after starting her season with a win in the Grade 3, $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic in January at Sam Houston.

“She’s just an exceptional filly,” Bloom said. “She just shows up every time.

“It’s so special to be around a horse like this. We’re so fortunate.”

Bloom races Midnight Bisou with Madaket Stables and Allen Racing. The filly has won 7 of 13 starts and earned $1.9 million.

Elate closed for second in the Azeri, her first start since August, and earned a 97 Beyer.

“I thought it was good,” trainer Bill Mott said of Elate’s 5-year-old debut. “She showed up. She ran a good race. I mean, she was in the race. She was interested in running. When you get a mare that gets past their 4-year-old year, you’ve got to worry about, ‘Okay, what are they going to want to do now?’ It was pleasing to see that she showed up.

“She’s been off seven months or so. She’s been off a good while. It was a good comeback. It wasn’t an easy spot to come back in.”

Mott said Elate was scheduled to return home to Florida. There is a flight Monday.