Another Asmussen live one

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Trainer Steve Asmussen, who swept the opening weekend stakes at Oaklawn Park last Friday and Saturday, can make it three in a row at this track Saturday when he sends out leading contender More Moonlight in the $50,000 Dixie Belle.

The six-furlong race for 3-year-old fillies drew six, including Angel Trumpet, winner of the $50,000 Gowell in her last start Dec. 26; Free Bonus, who has won all four of her career starts, including three stakes restricted to horses bred in Indiana; and stakes winner True Tails.

is one of several exciting 3-year-old fillies Asmussen has in his barn this year. He also trains Megascape, Punch Appeal and Coronado Rose.

"We do look good there," Asmussen said of his fillies, which have made starts from New York to New Mexico.

More Moonlight has won 3 of her last 4 starts. In her most recent outing she was prominent throughout to win the $50,000 Letellier Memorial at Fair Grounds by 3 1/4 lengths, covering six furlongs in a sharp 1:10.80. Before that race she was third to Megascape in the Grade 3 Valley Stream at Aqueduct and she won her maiden and the $60,000 Holly at The Meadowlands.

"She's a very fast filly," said Asmussen. "She's very smart, easy to be around, and manageable."

More Moonlight has set the pace in most of her races, but she has used stalking tactics to win, too, and her versatile nature could serve her well Saturday as she takes on the front-running Angel Trumpet.

Angel Trumpet ran the opening half-mile of the Gowell in 44.30 seconds last out and went on to a three-length victory in the Turfway Park race, covering six furlongs in a blazing 1:09.60. Before that race she won a conditioned allowance by 15 1/2 lengths and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 98, the top career number of any starter in the Dixie Belle. Coronado Rose, the runner-up in the Gowell, returned in her next start to win a stakes at Sam Houston Race Park.

Willie Martinez has the mount on Angel Trumpet for trainer Bernie Flint, while Roman Chapa will ride More Moonlight.

The undefeated Free Bonus has won her four starts by a combined 21 1/4 lengths, and will meet open company for the first time Saturday. She has speed and the rail for her first start since Nov. 20.